Rod Paige returns to Jackson State
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Roderick Paige takes over as president of his alma mater, Jackson State University, next week.
The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning named Paige as interim president at its meeting Tuesday in Jackson. Until his Monday start date, Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette, provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, will serve as acting president.
Board President Doug Rouse says they're confident Paige will "lead with a servant's heart and guide the university well through this transitional phase."
“We are so pleased that Dr. Paige is going to serve as Interim president,” said Rouse. "He has a wealth of experience on all levels of education and we are very fortunate that he is going to share his time and considerable talents with us.”
“I am deeply honored and profoundly grateful to the trustees of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning and the Jackson State University family for providing me the opportunity to serve this great institution in this important capacity,” said Dr. Paige. “My life has been immensely enriched by Jackson State University, and I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to join the efforts of Jackson State’s many admirers in enhancing the possibility of others receiving the benefits of a great post-secondary education.”
Paige also served as head football coach for JSU and for 10 years as dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University.
During his tenure in President George W. Bush's administration, the historic No Child Left Behind Act was passed.
Serving on the Thomas B. Fordham’s Institute’s Board of Trustees since 2005, Dr. Paige was inducted into the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools Hall of Fame earlier this year. With co-author Dr. Elaine Witty, Dr. Paige published “The Black-White Achievement Gap: Why Closing It Is the Greatest Civil Rights Issue of Our Time” in 2010.
The Board of Trustees will discuss the presidential search at its November meeting.
