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Dr. Jerryl Briggs, president at Mississippi Valley State University

A week following a campus visit by members of the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, the board named Dr. Jerryl Briggs new president of Mississippi Valley State University.

“Throughout the listening sessions held last week, we heard the Valley community say that the university’s next president should be someone with vision, who will bring stability to the office and build on the current success,” said Shane Hooper, a board trustee and chair of the Valley search committee. “Dr. Briggs clearly has a commitment to the history, legacy, culture and mission of the university, as well as a vision for the future.”  

Before being named acting president in June after Dr. William Bynum left Valley to take the leadership role at Jackson State University, Briggs served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at the school. He had direct oversight for the operations of the university. He has been an administrator at the university for four years.

“It is indeed an honor and blessing to be named the eighth president of Mississippi Valley State University,” said Briggs. “I would like to thank the search committee chair, trustee Shane Hooper, and the entire IHL Board for having the confidence in me to lead Valley. I would also like to thank our Valley family for their support and encouragement, and we will surely continue to keep Valley in motion.”

Briggs received widespread support from alumni, students and faculty during last week’s listening session.

“Dr. Briggs has been an important part of the progress made at Mississippi Valley State University in recent years,” said John Johnson, president of the MVSU National Alumni Association. “Dr. Briggs is an exceptional leader who will be able to build on the progress made without missing a beat.”

 


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Ashley F.G. Norwood

ashley@mississippitoday.org

Ashley F. G. Norwood, a native of Jackson, earned a bachelor's degree in English from Jackson State University and a master’s degree from the Meek School of Journalism at the University of Mississippi. Norwood, who specializes in multimedia journalism, has been recognized nationally for her documentary film the fly in the buttermilk, which covers the history, perceptions and principles of black Greek-lettered organizations at the University of Mississippi.