Jackson State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to academic excellence and community advancement, Jackson State University fosters innovation through rigorous degree programs and technological initiatives that empower students for global success.

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 long-term planning, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between academic offerings and evolving market demands. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving initiatives that enhance the university's reputation across the United States. By optimizing operational efficiency, Shun Lux directly impacts the ability of the institution to provide high-quality graduate and undergraduate education. Lux secures the financial and structural foundation necessary for sustained academic progress. Through constant evaluation of institutional performance, the Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on student outcomes and technological advancement. This executive leadership ensures that the university remains a competitive force in higher education, consistently meeting the needs of a diverse student body while expanding the reach of research and community engagement programs.

    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 resource allocation and financial reporting, the Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital investments align with the university's long-term strategic goals. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams and optimizing expenditure to support academic programs and campus infrastructure. By implementing sound financial policies, Howard Brown directly impacts the stability and growth of the university's endowment and operational funds. Brown secures the necessary capital to advance technological initiatives and facility improvements. Through careful analysis of economic trends, the Vice President, Business Finance & Chief Financial Officer maintains fiscal transparency and accountability. This financial stewardship supports the broader mission of providing accessible, high-quality education while ensuring the long-term viability of the institution in a competitive higher education landscape.
    Howard Brown

    Jerzy Leszczynski - Professor and President's Fellow

    Jerzy Leszczynski, the Professor and President's Fellow at Jackson State University, drives high-level research initiatives and academic excellence. Overseeing specialized scientific projects, the Professor and President's Fellow ensures that the university remains at the forefront of technological and academic discovery. This leadership role involves advising the executive team on research policy and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across departments. By securing external funding and publishing impactful studies, Jerzy Leszczynski directly impacts the university's standing in the global research community. Leszczynski promotes a culture of inquiry that enhances the quality of graduate education. Through mentorship of faculty and students, the Professor and President's Fellow cultivates the next generation of scholars. This focus on research-driven growth strengthens the university's reputation for innovation, ensuring that academic programs remain grounded in current scientific advancements and contribute meaningfully to the broader educational mission of the institution.
    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 faculty interests and shapes academic governance. Overseeing communication between the teaching staff and the administration, the Full Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2017- 2020 ensures that faculty perspectives inform institutional policy and curriculum development. This leadership role involves facilitating shared governance and promoting academic freedom across all departments. By advocating for resources that support teaching and research, Okechukwu Anyamele directly impacts the quality of the student learning experience. Anyamele drives initiatives that improve faculty retention and professional development. Through active participation in university committees, the Full Professor, Faculty Senate President, 2017- 2020 maintains a focus on institutional integrity and excellence. This commitment to collaborative leadership ensures that the university's academic mission remains supported by a strong, engaged, and well-resourced faculty body, ultimately benefiting the entire student population.

    Denise Gregory - President

    Denise Gregory, the President at Jackson State University, leads the institution's mission to provide transformative education and community service. Overseeing the entire university ecosystem, the President ensures that all academic, financial, and operational units work in harmony to achieve institutional goals. This leadership role involves representing the university to external partners, alumni, and the broader public. By championing the university's values, Denise Gregory directly impacts the success of students and the professional growth of faculty. Gregory drives the strategic vision that guides the university's future, focusing on innovation and student-centered learning. Through engagement with the Board and executive leadership, the President maintains a clear path toward academic and financial sustainability. This comprehensive oversight ensures that the university continues to fulfill its historical mandate while adapting to the needs of modern learners and the demands of the global economy.
    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 all academic and administrative functions. Overseeing campus-wide network security and data management, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration of modern learning tools into the classroom environment. This leadership role involves coordinating with academic departments to implement advanced research computing capabilities. By modernizing legacy systems, Deborah Dent directly impacts the efficiency of student services and faculty productivity. Dent drives the adoption of cloud-based solutions to support the university's mission of technological innovation. Through rigorous oversight of cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive institutional data while facilitating open access to information. This strategic focus on digital transformation enables the university to maintain a robust technological presence, supporting the diverse needs of students and faculty across all regional and online platforms.

    Michael Bolden - Executive Cabinet Member

    Michael Bolden, the Executive Cabinet Member at Jackson State University, supports the development and execution of high-level institutional strategies. Overseeing cross-functional projects, the Executive Cabinet Member ensures that administrative and academic departments remain aligned with the university's core mission. This leadership role involves coordinating efforts between various campus divisions to streamline operations and improve service delivery. By facilitating communication among senior leaders, Michael Bolden directly impacts the efficiency of decision-making processes. Bolden drives initiatives that enhance the overall student experience and campus culture. Through active participation in cabinet meetings, the Executive Cabinet Member contributes to the formulation of policies that address institutional challenges and opportunities. This collaborative approach to leadership ensures that the university remains agile and responsive, effectively managing resources to support the diverse needs of the student body and the broader academic community.

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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.