JACKSON, Miss. ― Former U.S. Secretary of Education Roderick Paige takes over as president of his alma mater, Jackson State University, next week.
The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning named Paige as interim president at its meeting Tuesday in Jackson. Until his Monday start date, Dr. Evelyn J. Leggette, provost and senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs, will serve as acting president.
Board President Doug Rouse says they’re confident Paige will “lead with a servant’s heart and guide the university well through this transitional phase.”
Paige also served as head football coach for JSU and for 10 years as dean of the College of Education at Texas Southern University. During his tenure in President George W. Bush’s administration, the historic No Child Left Behind Act was passed.
