Texas Southern University Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Texas Southern University has 7 executives leading key functions including operations, financial strategy, administrative oversight, and academic leadership.

Committed to providing accessible higher education to underserved communities, Texas Southern University advances urban research and prepares a diverse student population for global impact through its comprehensive academic programs.

Leadership Roles at Texas Southern University

  • Chief Executive Officer, Operations - Christopher Allen
  • Chief Financial Officer - J'Maine Chubb
  • Interim Vice President, Finance & Amp. Chief Financial Officer, Administration - Anita Lockridge
  • President - S. Rose
  • NABA President - TiAnna Lewis
  • Chief of Staff - Damazia Gaines
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer - Rodney Smith
  • Christopher Allen - Chief Executive Officer, Operations

    Christopher Allen, the Chief Executive Officer, Operations at Texas Southern University, directs the daily functional efficiency of the 150-acre campus. Overseeing infrastructure maintenance and facility management, the Chief Executive Officer, Operations ensures that the physical environment supports the academic mission of the institution. This role involves coordinating with various departments to optimize resource allocation across the historic Third Ward campus. By streamlining operational workflows, Christopher Allen improves the overall campus experience for more than 9,000 students. The Chief Executive Officer, Operations also manages vendor relationships and capital projects to maintain high standards of safety and accessibility. Through rigorous oversight of campus logistics, Allen supports the university's goal of providing a stable, high-quality learning environment. This leadership position remains vital for sustaining the long-term growth and operational integrity of the university as a premier urban research institution.

    J'Maine Chubb - Chief Financial Officer

    J'Maine Chubb, the Chief Financial Officer at Texas Southern University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Overseeing the allocation of funds across 10 colleges and schools, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources align with the university's commitment to urban research and student success. This role involves monitoring revenue streams, managing endowment growth, and ensuring compliance with state and federal funding regulations. By implementing robust financial controls, J'Maine Chubb secures the economic stability necessary for expanding undergraduate and graduate programs. The Chief Financial Officer also collaborates with the Board to present transparent financial reporting that reflects the university's dedication to underserved communities. Through strategic fiscal management, Chubb drives the financial sustainability required to support over 100 degree programs, ultimately strengthening the institution's capacity to serve a diverse student population in a competitive global society.

    Anita Lockridge - Interim Vice President, Finance & Amp. Chief Financial Officer, Administration

    Anita Lockridge, the Interim Vice President, Finance & Amp. Chief Financial Officer, Administration at Texas Southern University, directs the administrative financial operations and internal audit functions. Overseeing the integration of financial systems with administrative policies, the Interim Vice President, Finance & Amp. Chief Financial Officer, Administration ensures that all fiscal activities support the university's 150-acre campus operations. This role involves managing payroll, procurement, and institutional accounting to maintain operational transparency. By optimizing administrative workflows, Anita Lockridge improves the efficiency of resource distribution across the university's diverse academic departments. The Interim Vice President, Finance & Amp. Chief Financial Officer, Administration also works closely with the broader finance team to ensure compliance with institutional standards. Through careful management of administrative budgets, Lockridge supports the university's mission of providing accessible education to students from underserved communities, ensuring that financial resources effectively reach the classroom and research labs.

    S. Rose - President

    S. Rose, the President at Texas Southern University, provides the overarching vision and strategic direction for the entire institution. Overseeing the academic and research initiatives across 10 colleges and schools, the President ensures that the university remains a proactive leader in educating underserved students. This role involves engaging with the community, fostering partnerships with global organizations, and advocating for the university's role in urban research. By championing the mission of the institution, S. Rose drives the growth of more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. The President also leads the executive team in addressing critical urban issues and preparing students for positive change in a global society. Through visionary leadership, Rose maintains the university's reputation as a distinguished educational pioneer. This position remains central to the university's commitment to academic excellence and its status as a respected institution in Texas.

    TiAnna Lewis - NABA President

    TiAnna Lewis, the NABA President at Texas Southern University, leads the professional development and networking initiatives for students and alumni within the accounting and business fields. Overseeing the chapter's engagement with industry leaders, the NABA President ensures that students gain the skills necessary for success in the global economy. This role involves organizing workshops, mentorship programs, and career placement opportunities that align with the university's mission of preparing students for positive change. By fostering connections between the student body and professional organizations, TiAnna Lewis expands the reach of the university's business programs. The NABA President also works to promote diversity and inclusion within the accounting profession, reflecting the university's commitment to underserved communities. Through active leadership and community building, Lewis supports the professional growth of students, ensuring that they are well-equipped to excel in their careers and contribute to the broader society.

    Damazia Gaines - Chief of Staff

    Damazia Gaines, the Chief of Staff at Texas Southern University, coordinates executive communications and facilitates strategic alignment across all administrative departments. Overseeing the flow of information between the President and the leadership team, the Chief of Staff ensures that institutional priorities remain focused on the university's mission of urban programming and research. This role involves managing high-level projects, organizing board meetings, and fostering collaboration among the 10 colleges and schools. By streamlining internal processes, Damazia Gaines enhances the efficiency of the executive office. The Chief of Staff also acts as a primary liaison for external stakeholders, representing the university's interests in regional and national educational forums. Through meticulous project management and clear communication, Gaines supports the university's goal of educating underserved students. This leadership function remains essential for maintaining organizational cohesion and advancing the strategic vision of the institution.

    Rodney Smith - Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer

    Rodney Smith, the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Texas Southern University, manages the broad administrative functions that support the university's academic mission. Overseeing human resources, campus safety, and institutional policy, the Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the university operates as a cohesive and efficient organization. This role involves developing policies that promote a diverse and inclusive environment for the 9,000 students and faculty. By implementing scalable administrative solutions, Rodney Smith enhances the university's ability to deliver high-quality education. The Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align administrative support with the university's long-term strategic goals. Through effective management of campus-wide services, Smith supports the institution's commitment to urban programming and research, ensuring that the university remains a respected and proactive leader in the higher education landscape.
    Rodney Smith

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Texas Southern University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Texas Southern University?
    Texas Southern University is led by Christopher Allen (Chief Executive Officer, Operations), along with executives such as J'Maine Chubb (Chief Financial Officer) and Anita Lockridge (Interim Vice President, Finance & Amp. Chief Financial Officer, Administration).
    Who is part of Texas Southern University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Texas Southern University includes leaders such as Christopher Allen (Chief Executive Officer, Operations), J'Maine Chubb (Chief Financial Officer), Anita Lockridge (Interim Vice President, Finance & Amp. Chief Financial Officer, Administration) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Texas Southern University have?
    Texas Southern University has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Texas Southern University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Texas Southern University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Operations, Chief Financial Officer, Interim Vice President, Finance & Amp. Chief Financial Officer, Administration, President, NABA President.