Jackson State University President Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D., continues to fortify his administrative team by making essential executive cabinet appointments naming Dr. Monica Lewis as the Interim Vice President for the Division of Institutional Advancement & External Affairs and Interim Executive Director for the JSU Development Foundation, Inc., along with the permanent appointments of Dr. Vance Siggers, Executive Director of Campus Operations, and Mickie Parker, Executive Director of Human Resources.
“Dr. Lewis, Mrs. Parker, and Dr. Siggers each bring a unique set of skills and a deep commitment to excellence that will drive our institution forward. Their combined experience in fundraising, human resources, and campus operations will enhance our strategic initiatives and strengthen our university’s foundation. I am confident that their leadership will continue to significantly contribute to the advancement of Jackson State University’s mission and goals,” Thompson said.
Dr. Monica Lewis: Interim Vice President for the Division of Institutional Advancement & External Affairs and Interim Executive Director for the JSU Development Foundation, Inc.
A distinguished alumna of Jackson State University, Dr. Monica Lewis brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments to her new role. With over a decade of service at JSU, Dr. Lewis has successfully garnered over $14.2 million through various fundraising initiatives and program implementations. She created and launched the JSU Day of Giving and the Yearly Employee Support (Y.E.S. Campaign), two initiatives that continue to thrive today. Her other notable achievements include “Thee I Love” Giving Cords for graduates and the Student Emergency/GAP Fund. Prior to her current appointment, Dr. Lewis served as the Director of Development for Athletics and as the Director of Annual Giving for JSU’s Division of Institutional Advancement.
Dr. Lewis holds a certificate in fundraising management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and a certificate in nonprofit management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Junior League of Jackson. Dr. Lewis is also a charter member of the JSU Madison County Alumni Chapter, a life member of the JSU National Alumni Association, and a member of the Leake County NAACP, Women for Progress of MS, Inc., Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy, and the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofit and Philanthropy. In 2022, she was named one of the Top 50 Distinguished Leading Business Women in Mississippi. Dr. Lewis also serves on various nonprofit and community-based boards.
Mickie Parker: Executive Director of Human Resources
As the Executive Director of Human Resources, Mickie Parker is committed to empowering and inspiring a diverse community of educators, administrators, and staff at Jackson State University. With a robust background in Human Resources leadership, spanning the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Parker prioritizes aligning HR functions with institutional missions to drive operational success. Her strategic approach emphasizes fostering inclusivity, growth, and excellence across all facets of university operations.
Joining JSU in October 2020, Parker previously served as the Director of Human Resources for the Hinds County Board of Supervisors, where she spearheaded initiatives in performance management, compliance, and employee relations. A proud native of Carthage, Mississippi, Parker earned her Bachelor of Science in educational psychology from Alcorn State University. She is actively engaged in professional development through memberships in College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Dr. Vance Siggers: Executive Director of Campus Operations
Dr. Vance D. Siggers, a third-generation JSU alumnus and former JSU football player, is now the Executive Director of Campus Operations. Dr. Siggers earned a Bachelor of Science in education, a Master of Arts in political science, and a Doctor of Philosophy in education administration. With over twenty years of administrative and political experience, he previously served as Executive Director and assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs at Jackson State University. His most notable accomplishment was rebuilding JSU’s Housing and Residence Life Department in 2015. In 2018, Dr. Siggers returned to the private sector to serve in a leadership role for his family business.
Dr. Siggers firmly believes in education and the power of collaboration among education, human service, faith-based organizations, and the business community. He has implemented this belief by mentoring youth and using his American Sign Language skills to provide special services to deaf students. His motto is “I am here to happily and humbly serve.”
Lewis’ appointment is contingent upon approval by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.