Students, faculty and alumni tell Jackson State search: fix housing, restore trust and find a proven, student-focused leader

Jackson State University stakeholders used a series of listening sessions led by AGB Search to tell national applicants for the university's next president exactly what they want: an experienced, financially savvy and student-centered leader who will stay and rebuild morale.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members emphasized three recurring needs. First: housing and deferred maintenance. Multiple students and staff said enrollment growth has outpaced available residence halls and underscored safety problems tied to lighting and the campus's open edges. Second: student retention, career readiness and wraparound support for first-generation and low-income students. Speakers asked the next president to strengthen employer partnerships, internships and alumni pipelines so diplomas lead to jobs. Third: trust and institutional stability. Faculty and alumni said frequent leadership turnover and…