By Anthony Howard
(JACKSON, Miss.) — The Jackson State University community joined family, friends, alumni, students and public officials to celebrate the life and legacy of Elayne Hayes-Anthony, Ph.D., a respected educator, journalism trailblazer and former acting president of the university.
The celebration of life service was held March 14 in the Rose E. McCoy Auditorium, where hundreds gathered to honor Hayes-Anthony’s decades of service to the university and her lasting influence on communications education and public service across Mississippi.
“I am honored to stand before you today to celebrate the life of a remarkable woman, Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony,” said JSU Interim President Denise Jones Gregory. “We remember a woman whose life reflected excellence, purpose, faith and service. Dr. Anthony was a proud daughter of Jackson and proud alumna of Jackson State University and a leader whose influence reached far beyond the campus.”
Hayes-Anthony, a longtime professor and former chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, was remembered for her dedication to students, her leadership within the university, and her groundbreaking career in broadcast journalism.
Remembering a Transformational Educator
During the service, speakers reflected on Hayes-Anthony’s commitment to excellence and the impact she had on generations of students and professionals.
U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson spoke about the influence she had on those she mentored and the high standards she instilled in young leaders.
“Her loss will be felt by a lot of people,” Thompson said. “She didn’t expect anything other than the best, and she promoted it in the young people she impacted.”
Public officials, university leaders, and colleagues described Hayes-Anthony as a champion for education and collaboration across the state.
Former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour recalled appointing her to a statewide advisory committee focused on education and public policy.
“After I got elected governor, I appointed her as one of five members of my state advisory committee,” Barbour said. “If you look at her résumé, she’s got an unbelievable career in education.”
A Pioneer in Journalism and Media Education
Before entering higher education, Hayes-Anthony built a groundbreaking career in broadcast journalism, becoming the first Black woman to serve as an intern, anchor, producer, and reporter at WJTV.
Colleagues in the media industry noted how her leadership helped expand opportunities for aspiring journalists and shaped the diversity of modern newsrooms.
Former general manager of WLBT Dan Modisett reflected on their decades of collaboration in creating opportunities for students.
“For the next 30 years, Elayne and I worked together to provide internships for hundreds of African American students,” Modisett said, adding that she inspired him.
Throughout her career, Hayes-Anthony remained deeply committed to preparing students for careers in journalism, communications, and public service.
A Mentor Who Shaped Generations
Former students also shared personal reflections about Hayes-Anthony’s mentorship and the encouragement she offered throughout their academic journeys.
Former student and SWAC Hall of Fame media personality Rob Jay praised her legacy and devotion to JSU’s Department of Journalism and Media Studies.
“Forty years ago, I walked into Dr. Anthony’s classroom as a student and years later, I stood by her side as a colleague,” Jay said. “She spent a life building people and that kind of love, work and dedication never dies.”
Others noted that her influence extended far beyond the classroom. Many credited her mentorship with shaping their professional paths and inspiring them to pursue careers in journalism, communication and leadership.
“Dr. Anthony was compassionate and a person of strong conviction,” said Jerry Echols, a former student of Dr. Anthony, reflecting on Hayes-Anthony’s lasting impact. “She was a leader who was self-aware, had credibility and integrity. She was inclusive and big on building relationships and empowering others, and took pride in the accomplishments of her students.”
Her Legacy Continues
Hayes-Anthony’s career spanned journalism, higher education leadership, and public service. She served as acting president of Jackson State University in 2023 and held numerous leadership roles across the state, including service on the Mississippi State Board of Health.
Those gathered at the celebration of life emphasized that her legacy will live on through the many students she mentored, the programs she helped build, and the barriers she broke throughout her career.
As the service concluded, the Jackson State community reflected on the enduring example Hayes-Anthony leaves behind — one defined by excellence, integrity, mentorship and a lifelong commitment to empowering others.
A scholarship fund is being established in her honor to support future students pursuing careers in journalism and communications, ensuring that her passion for education and storytelling continues to inspire generations of Tigers.