JSU President Selected for Mississippi’s Most Influential African Americans for 2022-23

Courtesy of Jackson State University

Jackson State University President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D., has been selected as Mississippi’s Most Influential African Americans for 2022-23 by “Our Mississippi” magazine. The group will be honored at the 2023 Our Mississippi Honors Gala on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Cadence Bank Conference in Downtown Tupelo, Mississippi.Publisher Wesley Wells said the 12 individuals were selected by an independent panel of state-wide business and community leaders from nominations received from the public.

“What an awesome group of people,” Wells said of the nominees. “I’d like to thank the committee for doing an outstanding job. I know they had to make some tough decisions narrowing the list down to 12, especially with having to select people from different categories. Congratulations to all the selected individuals, and also to all the individuals nominated. We’re proud of the great work they’re doing for the state of Mississippi.”

Wells said dozens of individuals were nominated in different categories that included: Business, Education, Politics, Religion, Media, and Servant Leadership.

“I’d like to thank Our Magazine and the committee for this incredible recognition,” said President Hudson. “It’s an honor to work on behalf of the talented students, faculty and staff of Jackson State University. Our collective efforts shine a spotlight on the great advancements happening in Mississippi and I’m proud to be a part of that movement.”

Mississippi’s Most Influential African Americans of 2022-23:

1. David Fernandes – President, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi
2. Robert L. Gibbs – Senior partner, Gibbs Travis, PLLC, Jackson, MS
3. Thomas Hudson – President, Jackson State University
4. Willie Jones – President & CEO, Dependable Source Corporation, Jackson, MS
5. Billy Knight – Mayor, City of Moss Point, Mississippi
6. Tim Lampkin – CEO, Higher Purpose Co., Clarksdale, MS
7. Dr. Felicia M. Nave – President, Alcorn State University
8. Dr. Vernon Rayford – Physician, North Mississippi Health Services, Tupelo, MS
9. Nashlie Sephus – Tech Entrepreneur, CEO, Bean Path, Jackson, MS
10. Dr. Justin Turner – Chief Medical Officer, Mississippi State Department of Health
11. Dr. Carmen Walters – President, Tougaloo College
12. Charles D. Watson – Sr. VP, Network Operations, C Spire, Ridgeland, MS