By William H. Kelly III
(JACKSON, Miss.) – Julis K. Franks, director of the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center at Jackson State University, has been elected president of the Mississippi Association for Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP). MAEOPP is a non-profit organization dedicated to uniting professionals involved in educational opportunity programs across Mississippi’s institutions of higher learning.
“This is an incredible honor. I am truly humbled and grateful for the trust and confidence the members have placed in me to lead this prestigious organization,” said Franks.
In his role as president, Franks will oversee the planning and development of MAEOPP’s 2025-2027 annual training and conferences and will host the Southeastern Association Conference (SEAC) in April 2026. He will also be responsible for maintaining the organization’s fiscal health, leading state initiatives to expand program resources, collaborating with other state associations to broaden access for program participants and guiding projects within Mississippi.
“We have a strong foundation, built by many outstanding leaders. My goal is to expand professional development opportunities and further strengthen our community,” Franks said. “While MAEOPP has traditionally focused on state initiatives, in recent years, we have significantly expanded our scope, including partnering with the Georgia and Florida state associations to host our annual conference.”
MAEOPP works to broaden access to education and ensure the success of students in formal postsecondary education. Additionally, the organization’s primary focus is to support institutions in addressing the challenges of serving diverse student populations.
Franks has a long history of involvement with MAEOPP, having previously served as chair of the Legislative and Political Action Committee, state outreach coordinator for the Council for Opportunities in Education (COE) and policy seminar team lead for Mississippi.
Media Contact: William H. Kelly III, william.h.kelly@jsums.edu