While Other Council Members Welcomed new JSU President, Stokes Voiced Concerns Over Pick
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Posted By: S. Moore on December 07, 2023 The Jackson City Council on Tuesday welcomed to its meeting the newly announced president of Jackson State University — Marcus Thompson. But one council member, Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes, had choice words about Thompson's selection as the head of the state's largest HBCU. "I wanted to have a peaceful protest concerning the president situation at Jackson State," Stokes said. "The only person who applied to be president at Jackson State University was Elaine Hayes-Anthony. ... And the only reason why I feel like she didn't get it was because she was a woman." Stokes said he believed Hayes-Anthony was the victim of sex discrimination. IHL selects JSU president:IHL goes within for Jackson State's president. See who it is Anthony had been acting president of the university since March, taking over the position from Thomas Hudson who was placed on administrative leave then subsequently resigned. She had publicly advocated for keeping the position, but was not interviewed as a finalist for the position. "It make you think about the old ugly days when if you were Black you couldn't get a job because of your race," Stokes said. "I still believe that if you apply, if you're a legitimate candidate, then so be it you should have that chance. But to not apply for the job, then be given the job? That's wrong." Thompson was working as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer of Mississippi's Institutions of Higher Learning before being named JSU president. It was the second time in recent years the IHL promoted a person from within to a leadership role at a state university. It is not clear whether Thompson formally interviewed for the JSU post. Thompson wants to work with council members Before Stokes comments — and before the councilman was even in the room — Thompson took to the podium to thank the council members and the community for their past and continued support of JSU. He told the council members he would like to meet with each of them to hear their input on how to make improvements to the university and to college life for JSU students "I want to hear from you about your ideas, your concerns and aspirations for Jackson State University," Thompson said to the council. "I believe that by working together we can achieve great, great things." He also thanked the council for their recent passing of a resolution to upgrade the infrastructure on John R. Lynch Street, which passes through the university's campus. He invited the council to his campus welcome reception. No sewage slude in Utica:Not in our town or the state: Utica residents gather to oppose use of sewage sludge "I'm excited about the journey ahead and I'm confident that together we can continue to build on Jackson State's strong legacy of challenging minds and changing lives," he said. While Stokes questioned the appointment of Thompson, other council members were very receptive of the new JSU president. Ward 2 Councilwoman and Council Vice President Angelique Lee introduced Thompson, calling him a "dear friend." "He's very professional, he's a man of God and of high integrity. I know he will bring the university to a place where it has never been," Lee said. SOURCE The Clarion-Ledger If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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