Marcus Thompson Resigns as Jackson State University President — Second Leader to Step Down in Two Years

By Mary Boyte | Mississippi Clarion Ledger | May 7, 2025

Jackson State University is once again facing leadership upheaval. President Marcus Thompson has officially resigned, becoming the second JSU president to step down in just two years.

The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) confirmed Thompson’s immediate resignation in a brief statement released Wednesday, May 7. No reason for his departure was given.

Thompson, the university’s ninth president in the past 15 years (including interim roles), leaves amid continued turbulence at Mississippi’s largest HBCU. His predecessor, Thomas K. Hudson, also resigned in 2023 following a faculty vote of no confidence and a period of administrative leave.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Denise Jones Gregory, has been appointed interim president.

A Controversial Appointment

Thompson’s path to the presidency sparked controversy from the beginning. Promoted internally by the IHL—where he previously served as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer—his appointment bypassed the national search process. This decision drew criticism from JSU faculty and alumni who favored Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, the acting president at the time.

During the November 2023 IHL board meeting, Thompson’s appointment was made behind closed doors, followed by unannounced applause. It was only later revealed that he had been named the university’s 13th permanent president, despite not being one of the 79 official applicants.

That same day, JSU Chief of Staff Debra Mays-Jackson filed a federal lawsuit alleging sex discrimination after being denied an interview. She later filed a second suit in May 2024, claiming Title VII violations and stating that the IHL’s internal hiring practices have only benefited male candidates.

Court filings also alleged misconduct involving former president Hudson, including that he sent an explicit image to a female staff member. Mays-Jackson claimed that Thompson—despite being friends with Hudson—led the investigation but failed to interview the employee involved.

Thompson’s Perspective

In a February 2024 interview with the Clarion Ledger, Thompson defended his internal promotion, stating, “Every time an internal promotion has occurred, great things have happened.” He expressed no concerns about the appointment process or bypassing a national search.

Thompson’s resignation comes just days after JSU’s spring commencement.

His departure is another reminder of the challenges facing the university and the IHL’s presidential appointment process. Denise Jones Gregory now steps into the interim role as JSU prepares for another search—and possibly more scrutiny.