Mississippi College Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Mississippi College has 9 executives leading key functions including marketing, information technology, operations, finance, and institutional leadership.

Driven by a commitment to personal development, Mississippi College fosters a faith-based educational experience, empowering students to discover their passions and find their calling within a supportive community.

Leadership Roles at Mississippi College

  • Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer - Laura Jackson
  • The Council President - Jacob Perkins
  • President, Entertainment Law - W. Lyons
  • President - Leslie Reynolds
  • President, Cssa of Public Relations - Ren Feng
  • President of The Council - Garrett Viator
  • President - Blake Thompson
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Mary McDaniel
  • Chief Information Officer - Van Jones
  • Laura Jackson - Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer

    Laura Jackson, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer at Mississippi College, directs both the operational efficiency and financial health of the institution. Jackson manages the university's budget, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Simultaneously, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer oversees daily administrative operations, optimizing processes to support the academic mission and student services. This dual role requires a comprehensive understanding of institutional management, from campus facilities to financial investments. Laura Jackson's leadership ensures that Mississippi College can effectively deliver its unique, faith-based educational experience while maintaining a supportive community. Jackson's financial acumen and operational oversight are critical for supporting initiatives like the Speed Scholarship and enabling students to pursue their academic and personal goals.

    Jacob Perkins - The Council President

    Jacob Perkins, The Council President at Mississippi College, leads strategic initiatives and governance for the institution. Perkins presides over council meetings, guiding discussions and decisions that shape the university's direction and policies. This role involves fostering collaboration among stakeholders to advance Mississippi College's mission of providing a supportive, faith-based educational experience. Jacob Perkins's leadership ensures that the council effectively supports the university's commitment to student academic and personal development. The Council President's influence is key in maintaining the institution's unique educational approach and its dedication to helping students discover their passions and find their calling. Perkins's guidance is instrumental in upholding the values that define Mississippi College's community.

    W. Lyons - President, Entertainment Law

    W. Lyons, President, Entertainment Law at Mississippi College, spearheads the development and oversight of specialized legal programs within the university. Lyons focuses on curriculum design and faculty engagement for entertainment law studies, ensuring students receive cutting-edge education in this niche field. This leadership role involves connecting academic offerings with industry demands, preparing students for successful careers. W. Lyons's expertise contributes to Mississippi College's diverse program portfolio, enhancing its reputation for providing unique educational experiences. The President, Entertainment Law's efforts support students in pursuing specialized academic and professional goals, aligning with the university's broader mission of personal development and calling discovery. Lyons's direction strengthens the institution's capacity to offer distinct, career-focused graduate programs.

    Leslie Reynolds - President

    Leslie Reynolds, President at Mississippi College, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the university. Reynolds is dedicated to upholding the institution's core values and advancing its mission to offer a supportive, faith-based educational experience. This role involves guiding academic innovation, fostering a vibrant campus community, and ensuring the university meets the evolving needs of its students. Leslie Reynolds's vision is central to Mississippi College's commitment to personal development, encouraging students to explore their passions and identify their life's calling. The President's leadership ensures that the university remains a place where students can achieve their academic and personal goals, reinforcing its unique educational philosophy and supportive environment.

    Ren Feng - President, Cssa of Public Relations

    Ren Feng, President, Cssa of Public Relations at Mississippi College, leads the strategic communication efforts for the university's public relations initiatives. Feng oversees the management of the institution's public image and media relations, ensuring clear and effective communication with external audiences. This position is critical for articulating Mississippi College's unique, faith-based educational experience and its commitment to student personal development. Ren Feng's expertise in public relations supports the university's goal of attracting prospective students and engaging with the broader community. The President, Cssa of Public Relations plays a key part in highlighting the supportive environment that empowers students to discover their passions and find their calling, reinforcing the institution's mission.

    Garrett Viator - President of The Council

    Garrett Viator, President of The Council at Mississippi College, guides the strategic direction and governance of the university's council. Viator facilitates critical discussions and decision-making processes that impact institutional policy and future planning. This leadership role is essential for ensuring that Mississippi College continues to provide a supportive community and a distinctive, faith-based educational experience. Garrett Viator's focus is on advancing the university's mission to foster student academic and personal growth, helping individuals discover their passions and calling. The President of The Council's oversight ensures alignment with the institution's values and its commitment to student success. Viator's leadership strengthens the collaborative environment necessary for achieving institutional objectives.

    Blake Thompson - President

    Blake Thompson, President at Mississippi College, provides executive leadership and strategic vision for the university. Thompson is committed to advancing the institution's mission of delivering a supportive, faith-based educational experience that fosters student academic and personal development. This role involves overseeing all university operations and ensuring alignment with core values, preparing students to discover their passions and find their calling. Blake Thompson's leadership ensures that Mississippi College remains a nurturing environment where students can achieve their goals. The President's dedication to educational excellence and personal growth reinforces the university's unique approach and its impact on the lives of its students. Thompson drives initiatives that enhance the student journey and institutional reputation.
    Blake Thompson

    Mary McDaniel - Chief Marketing Officer

    Mary McDaniel, the Chief Marketing Officer at Mississippi College, directs all external communications and brand strategy. McDaniel oversees the development and execution of marketing campaigns designed to attract prospective students and enhance the institution's reputation. This role involves analyzing market trends and student demographics to refine outreach efforts, ensuring Mississippi College's unique, faith-based educational experience resonates with its target audience. McDaniel's leadership ensures consistent messaging across all platforms, supporting the university's mission to provide a supportive community for academic and personal growth. The Chief Marketing Officer's initiatives are crucial for student recruitment, particularly for incoming high school and transfer students from Mississippi, highlighting opportunities like the Speed Scholarship. Mary McDaniel drives the narrative around personal development and discovering one's calling, directly contributing to enrollment goals and institutional visibility.

    Van Jones - Chief Information Officer

    Van Jones, the Chief Information Officer at Mississippi College, architects and manages the institution's technology infrastructure. Jones is responsible for all IT operations, including network security, data management, and the implementation of educational technology solutions that support academic and administrative functions. This leadership position ensures that students and faculty have access to reliable and advanced digital resources, fostering an environment conducive to learning and research. Van Jones oversees the integration of systems that streamline university processes, from admissions to student support services. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision is vital for maintaining the technological backbone that supports Mississippi College's commitment to a faith-based educational experience and personal development. Jones's efforts enhance the overall student experience by providing seamless access to academic tools and information, reinforcing the university's supportive community.
    Van Jones

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mississippi College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Mississippi College?
    Mississippi College is led by Laura Jackson (Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jacob Perkins (The Council President) and W. Lyons (President, Entertainment Law).
    Who is part of Mississippi College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Mississippi College includes leaders such as Laura Jackson (Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer), Jacob Perkins (The Council President), W. Lyons (President, Entertainment Law) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Mississippi College have?
    Mississippi College has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Mississippi College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Mississippi College includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, The Council President, President, Entertainment Law, President, President, Cssa of Public Relations.