Jackson State University Names Dr. Denise Jones Gregory 14th President, She Becomes First Alumna To Lead Institution Permanently – AfroTech
Dr. Denise Jones Gregory has transitioned into a permanent role at Jackson State University.
Since May 2025, she has served as the Historically Black College and University’s (HBCU’s) interim president after previously serving as provost and vice president of academic affairs, according to her LinkedIn profile. Now, she becomes the school’s 14th president. She was appointed by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and selected after a thorough review process that included a pool of 79 candidates and multiple rounds of interviews, HBCU Gameday reports.
Gregory brings a hopeful outlook to the university, which has had various presidents since 2016, including William Bynum, Thomas Hudson, and Marcus Thompson, according to The Grio.
“The Board of Trustees put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this search process, and we are confident in Dr. Gregory’s ability to help write the next chapter,” said Dr. Steven Cunningham, vice president of the board and chair of the search committee, per The Grio.
She makes history as the first alumna to lead the institution, per HBCU Gameday. She graduated from the HBCU in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, then enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry.
Gregory’s pillars of focus as president will center on academic excellence, student success, and institutional growth, according to HBCU Gameday.
“Jackson State University has shaped my life in profound ways, so it is a distinct honor to serve as president of the university that helped shape me,” she said in a statement shared with AFROTECH™. “As an alumna and longtime member of this community, I know the strength, promise and responsibility that come with leading JSU. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees for its confidence, and I look forward to continuing to work with our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters to advance this institution with focus, integrity and deep pride in who we are. This is truly a full circle moment for me.”
Mississippi State Senator Hillman Frazier told WJTV 12 News:
“I’ve never seen the fan base this excited about a president … She has excited the fan base, the students, the business community, and also the legislature. We have a lot of Jackson State graduates in the legislature. We’re excited to have her on board. We’re looking forward to working with her.”
