Jackson State University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Jackson State University has 7 executives leading key functions including institutional strategy, information technology, financial management, academic research, faculty governance, presidential leadership, and cabinet administration.

Committed to academic excellence and technological advancement, Jackson State University fosters a transformative learning environment. This institution empowers students through rigorous degree programs and innovative research initiatives across Mississippi and beyond.

Leadership Roles at Jackson State University

  • Chief Executive Officer - Shun Lux
  • Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Howard Brown
  • Professor and President's Fellow - Jerzy Leszczynski
  • Full Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2017- 2020 - Okechukwu Anyamele
  • President - Denise Gregory
  • Chief Information Officer - Deborah Dent
  • Executive Cabinet Member - Michael Bolden
  • Shun Lux - Chief Executive Officer

    Shun Lux, the Chief Executive Officer at Jackson State University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth. Overseeing the implementation of academic and administrative policies, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the mission of providing high-quality graduate and undergraduate education. This leadership role involves managing complex university operations and fostering partnerships that enhance the technological initiatives of the institution. By optimizing resource allocation and long-term planning, Shun Lux directly impacts the competitive standing of the university within the higher education landscape. The Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for institutional performance while driving initiatives that support student success across the regional market. Through consistent engagement with the board and administrative leadership, the Chief Executive Officer secures the future stability and academic reputation of the university, ensuring that all operational goals remain focused on the core objective of student advancement and community development.

    Howard Brown - Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Howard Brown, the Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Jackson State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary operations of the institution. Overseeing the allocation of financial resources, the Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that all departments maintain compliance with institutional and state fiscal policies. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns to support the long-term sustainability of academic programs. By optimizing financial processes, Howard Brown directly impacts the ability of the university to invest in new technological initiatives and campus infrastructure. The Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the executive team to align financial planning with the strategic objectives of the university. Through rigorous oversight of business operations, the Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the economic foundation necessary for the institution to continue providing high-quality education to students across the region.

    Jerzy Leszczynski - Professor and President's Fellow

    Jerzy Leszczynski, the Professor and President's Fellow at Jackson State University, drives advanced research initiatives and academic excellence within the scientific community. Overseeing specialized research projects, the Professor and President's Fellow ensures that the university remains at the forefront of technological and scholarly discovery. This role involves mentoring faculty and students while contributing to the intellectual growth of the institution through high-impact publications and collaborative efforts. By bridging the gap between academic research and practical application, Jerzy Leszczynski directly supports the mission of the university to provide cutting-edge educational opportunities. The Professor and President's Fellow advises the executive leadership on academic policy and research development, ensuring that the university maintains a strong reputation for innovation. Through consistent dedication to scholarly inquiry, the Professor and President's Fellow enhances the academic profile of the institution, fostering an environment where research and teaching converge to benefit the entire student body.
    Jerzy Leszczynski

    Okechukwu Anyamele - Full Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2017- 2020

    Okechukwu Anyamele, the Full Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2017- 2020 at Jackson State University, represents the interests of the academic staff while promoting excellence in teaching and research. Overseeing faculty governance processes, the Full Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2017- 2020 ensures that the voices of educators remain central to the decision-making processes of the university. This role involves facilitating communication between the faculty and the administration to align academic standards with the broader mission of the institution. By advocating for resources that support pedagogical innovation, Okechukwu Anyamele directly impacts the quality of the student learning experience. The Full Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2017- 2020 collaborates with other leaders to address institutional challenges and promote a culture of shared governance. Through active participation in policy development, the Full Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2017- 2020 strengthens the academic foundation of the university, ensuring that all educational programs meet the evolving needs of the student population.

    Denise Gregory - President

    Denise Gregory, the President at Jackson State University, provides the primary leadership and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing the execution of the university mission, the President ensures that all academic, financial, and operational goals remain focused on student success and community impact. This role involves representing the university to external stakeholders, including government officials and industry partners, to secure support for technological and educational initiatives. By fostering a culture of excellence, Denise Gregory directly impacts the growth and reputation of the university. The President collaborates with the executive cabinet to implement policies that enhance the quality of graduate and undergraduate programs. Through visionary leadership, the President guides the institution toward long-term sustainability and academic prominence, ensuring that the university continues to serve as a vital center for learning and innovation within the state and the broader academic community.
    Denise Gregory

    Deborah Dent - Chief Information Officer

    Deborah Dent, the Chief Information Officer at Jackson State University, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting the entire campus ecosystem. Managing the integration of advanced computing systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all academic and administrative departments possess the tools necessary for modern research and instruction. This role involves overseeing cybersecurity protocols and data management strategies that protect the integrity of university information. By modernizing the technological landscape, Deborah Dent directly supports the university mission of fostering innovation in education. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with faculty and staff to implement scalable solutions that enhance the digital learning experience for students. Through the deployment of robust network systems, the Chief Information Officer maintains the operational efficiency required for a leading research institution, ensuring that all technological investments align with the broader strategic goals of the university and its commitment to academic excellence.

    Michael Bolden - Executive Cabinet Member

    Michael Bolden, the Executive Cabinet Member at Jackson State University, participates in the high-level decision-making processes that shape the strategic direction of the institution. Overseeing cross-functional initiatives, the Executive Cabinet Member ensures that administrative and academic departments work in harmony to achieve institutional objectives. This role involves evaluating organizational performance and recommending improvements that enhance the efficiency of university operations. By contributing to the development of long-term policies, Michael Bolden directly supports the mission of the university to provide a superior educational experience. The Executive Cabinet Member collaborates with other senior leaders to address complex challenges and capitalize on opportunities for growth. Through active engagement in cabinet discussions, the Executive Cabinet Member helps align the daily operations of the university with its core values, ensuring that all strategic efforts remain focused on the advancement of students and the continued success of the institution.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Jackson State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Jackson State University?
    Jackson State University is led by Shun Lux (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Howard Brown (Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Jerzy Leszczynski (Professor and President's Fellow).
    Who is part of Jackson State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Jackson State University includes leaders such as Shun Lux (Chief Executive Officer), Howard Brown (Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Jerzy Leszczynski (Professor and President's Fellow) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Jackson State University have?
    Jackson State University has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Jackson State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Jackson State University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Professor and President's Fellow, Full Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2017- 2020, President.