Jackson State University (JSU) will officially install Dr. Marcus L. Thompson as the 13th President of the University at 10 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 13, in the Lee E. Williams Athletics & Assembly Center. The special occasion will be followed by “Thee Celebration Gala,” featuring nostalgia-inducing R&B acts SWV and the Isley Brothers, at 7:13 p.m. inside the Jackson Convention Complex.
Join the Celebration
The Jackson State University community and the public are invited to join in the historic week-long event beginning Monday, Sept. 9, with “Yoga on the Yard” and concluding on Sunday, Sept. 15, with “Thee Blues at JSU.” In the between time, there will be a litany of festive activities to help commemorate Thompson’s leadership and reaffirm the University’s dedication to academic excellence, community engagement, and the enrichment of its diverse student body. For more information about the investiture and related events, please visit www.jsums.edu/investiture.
About President Dr. Marcus L. Thompson
On Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, Thompson took the helm of Jackson State University, a top-ranked HBCU in the state’s capital city. Since then, he has focused on customer care, enhancing student experiences, improving infrastructure, and expanding the University’s footprint in academic and research achievement. He frequently refers to the student body as the “north star” of his administration, and is committed to enriching their academic journey and quality of life.
In May, the University received $23 million for campus repairs and renovations, one of the largest appropriations in Jackson State’s history. As colleges and universities nationwide face housing shortages, Thompson stepped out of the box by repurposing downtown Jackson’s Courthouse and Walthall Lofts as residence options for returning students.
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, he hosted his first Fall Faculty Staff Convocation, which attendees described as spirited and engaging. During JSU’s Move-in Day on Saturday, Aug. 10, he welcomed the class of 2028, his first graduating class, by meeting and greeting students and their families.
Thompson’s installation represents a new chapter in Jackson State’s history, and his presidency emphasizes creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. As a leader who has consistently championed equal access to education, he is dedicated to ensuring that JSU continues to be a nurturing and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
Thompson holds a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of higher education. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL). In this capacity, he was instrumental in overseeing the operations of Mississippi’s public university system, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and advocating for policies that support the educational aspirations of underrepresented communities.
A native of Mississippi, Thompson is a noted scholar with deep roots in the educational landscape of the state. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in history and Spanish, as well as a Master of Education, from Mississippi College. He later achieved his Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University, further solidifying his connection to the institution he now leads.
A commitment to educational equity and access has marked Thompson’s career. His work in various educational roles, including his time as Chief of Staff and Assistant to the State Superintendent of Education at the Mississippi Department of Education, has been characterized by his focus on creating opportunities for all students to succeed.
Thompson will outline his vision for Jackson State University at his investiture ceremony on Friday, Sept. 13.
