By William H. Kelly III
Jackson State University (JSU) held its official meet & greet for its 13th President, Marcus L. Thompson, Ph.D., on Wednesday, Dec. 6, in the JSU Student Center Ballroom. The reception signaled a new era for the historically Black institution that welcomed over 600 guests for the event.
Thompson enthusiastically greeted supporters and guests with warm smiles, hugs, and handshakes. Shortly after, the president stepped onto the stage to provide official remarks to all in attendance. He acknowledged his executive cabinet, the student body, government officials, faculty, staff, guests, and the Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) board members.
“Since day one on the job, I’ve been working to help us find permanent solutions and resources that will help our faculty, staff and students excel. I’m committed to working with the various constituency groups of the university to craft and exercise a shared vision because the vision is larger than the president,” Thompson said. “It’s about a shared vision because we all play an integral role in the success of this great institution, and it impacts our students and our community.”
Thompson was appointed JSU’s 13th president on November 16 and began his presidency on November 27.
The crowd joined in laughter as he recalled his first 10 days in office, sharing moments spent eating lunch with the students in the Heritage Dining Hall and immersing himself in student events such as the Midnight Breakfast, which invites students to wind down with peers at the end of the semester.
“I want to build upon the existing strategic plan with a focus on accountability, attention to detail, customer care, and financial stability. Throughout our planning and execution, students are my focus and will be the North Star of my administration,” he said.
The president expressed that he wanted to become fully immersed in campus life and looked forward to moving into the president’s on-campus residence by year’s end.
“So this campus will be my home, too. Because we are here together, we want to have a safe environment that we can all enjoy and an environment where all who come for business, whether business or to take class, live or work, we want to be here and really live out the campus experience in a good way,” he said.
The 7th Mister Jackson State University Austin Rolfe and 84th Miss Jackson State University Lauren Temple, presented Thompson with a JSU “starter kit” to begin his “swag collection.”
“We look forward to working with you to help Jackson State University continue to attract the best and brightest scholars and train them to become global leaders of the future,” said Rolfe during the presentation.
Temple shared similar sentiments and expressed that Thompson felt like new opportunities, possibilities and overall growth for Jackson State. “I’m excited to work with him and create new options for students and make the experience great,” she said.
Thompson assured guests that he is focused on campus safety and that funds and resources are being allocated for enhanced lighting, additional cameras, officers, and security staff. In the spring, Thompson will announce the details of his president’s tour, where he will travel to different cities to talk with prospective students and alumni and connect with high school guidance counselors and principals.
Before the night came to a close, Thompson called for the participation and support of the audience to celebrate the birthday of his wife, First Lady LaToya Redd Thompson.
The new president invited Redd Thompson on stage where he presented her with a bountiful bouquet and an elegant white cake with “Happy Birthday First Lady” inscribed on the front.
“I know a man. He’s been a great administrator. He’s been a great leader. He has a true heart for education. He loves students. He loves students so much,” said First Lady Thompson. “I could tell you more and more, but I know a man, and he’s perfect for Jackson State. That man is Marcus Thompson. So I’m very honored to be here in support of him and in support of this great university on my birthday. So thank y’all. Y’all are my birthday present.”