JSU Acting President Hayes-Anthony makes history as first African-American woman to serve as president of Mississippi Association of Broadcasters

Written By Jackson State University

Jackson State University Acting President Elayne Hayes-Anthony, Ph.D. became the first African-American and African-American woman to serve as president of the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters (MAB) on Wednesday, Sept. 27, during the organization’s Hall of Fame and Passing of the Gavel Luncheon at the Natchez Convention Center in Natchez, Mississippi.

Established in 1941, MAB is known as one of the nation’s leading state broadcast associations. It touts 100% of Mississippi TV stations and 85% of Mississippi radio stations as members, representing the state’s broadcast industry in Washington, including state and local levels.

“I am honored to serve my colleagues as president of an organization that has carved out a distinguished space to assist members of the broadcast industry in numerous ways, from professional development to networking opportunities, and most importantly, uplifts students who aspire to be in this field,” said Hayes-Anthony. “I look forward to building upon the progress underway and implementing the initiatives that will enhance the greater broadcasting community.”

Outgoing MAB President Derek Rogers shared that he was very proud of the association’s accomplishments over the years.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dr. Anthony for many, many years on this board. I’ve gotten to know her. We’ve worked closely together. She’s going to do an outstanding job,” Rogers said. “It’s really very fulfilling for us to be able to do the work that we do and advocate for broadcasters. And she’s the perfect one to take the torch and run with it.”

During the luncheon, Sen. John Horne presented Hayes-Anthony with a legislative proclamation for her service and accomplishments.

Hayes-Anthony thanked her family, husband Tony, special guests, cabinet members, former students, the Georgetown Community, and the Sonic Boom of the South, who was on hand to welcome guests with “Get Ready” and closed the luncheon with “The Show.”

Hayes-Anthony noted that she did not have many remarks. Instead, she wanted her legacy to speak for her, including testimonials from former students who celebrated her, in-person and virtually, as a mentor, educator and leader. Many attributed their careers to her influence and guidance.

“Any success I’ve had as a news anchor has been directly tied to you,” said Josh Jackson, anchor and reporter for KCTV5 in Kansas City, Missouri, during a video presentation. “You helped me establish my news philosophy and formulate my own code of ethics.”

Former JSU students like Don Spann, assistant professor of media studies at JSU, shared stories about professor Hayes-Anthony, including Robert “Rob J” Jeuitt, assistant athletic director for Media Services for JSU Athletics, who admitted he enjoyed playing around more than focusing on his studies.

Jeuitt said Hayes-Anthony told him, ‘You’re going to have to get it together, or you ain’t going nowhere.”

Hayes-Anthony, once a tenured full professor at Belhaven University, also received praise from former students of the private college – Toni L. Robinson, manager of content development for Ergon Inc., and Deidre Malone, president and CEO of the Carter Malone Group Inc.

“Dr. Anthony was an amazing teacher who instilled so much into her students. She was tough and knew exactly what we needed to be successful. Some of the leadership skills I have today are due to her teaching and direction,” Malone said. “I am forever grateful to you for steering me in the right direction like I know you’re going to steer this organization.”

Former Gov. Haley Barbour introduced Hayes-Anthony, whom he described as a friend for more than 20 years and strong supporters of each other and their individual causes.

“I can assure you, Elayne will be a consistent, faithful advocate of broadcasting, a defender of broadcasters, and a protector of the rights and capacities of the broadcast industry,” Barbour said.

The former governor told the audience he and Hayes-Anthony became friends in the 90s. When he ran for governor in 2003, Barbour appointed Hayes-Anthony as a member of his education task force for Mississippi. Barbour and former Gov. Phil Bryant also appointed her to the State Department of Health, where she also serves on the Audit, Certificate of Need and Communication committees.

Barbour also thanked JSU President Emeritus John A. Peoples for recommending Hayes-Anthony. “He told me she was the right person and not to look any further,” he shared.

Barbour detailed her as a leader, calling on the examples of her former students as evidence.

“I’m surprised that she is the first-ever African-American president of the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters. But I’m not surprised that when you saw her, it took you five minutes to pick her,” he said.

Barbour emphasized her contributions to Jackson State University and how vital the HBCU is to the city and state.

Executive Director of MAB Amanda Fontaine expressed her enthusiasm over having the Sonic Boom perform and having Hayes-Anthony lead the association’s next chapter.

“They were pretty phenomenal, and they have some moves. They are impressive. “We are very excited and thrilled to have Dr. Anthony. I love her and cannot wait to spend the next two years working with her,” said Fontaine, who revealed two initiatives already in the works: a women in broadcasting event and a young professionals’ symposium.

“She is already leaving a legacy,” she added.