Office Of The President

Dr. Marcus L. Thompson is driving Jackson State University forward with a vision that places student success, academic excellence, and institutional growth at the forefront. Since becoming the university’s 13th president in 2023, he has led key initiatives to expand educational access, enhance research endeavors, and improve campus life, reinforcing JSU’s position as a top-tier urban research institution committed to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.

President Thompson strives to envision and implement extraordinary opportunities for students, ensuring that they are equipped with the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive academically and professionally. He has made history with the launch of the 3+3 Law Program in collaboration with the University of Mississippi, establishing JSU as the first Mississippi HBCU to offer an accelerated law degree pathway. His passion for student success is evident in initiatives like Friends After 5, which connects students with influential industry leaders, and the creation of the first-ever Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) at an HBCU, helping students manage their student loans after graduation. Under his guidance, first-time freshman enrollment has increased by nearly 2%, and he secured a historic $23 million in state appropriations to enhance campus infrastructure, positioning JSU for continued growth and innovation.

His leadership extends to faculty and staff, where he emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and innovative approaches that enhance their roles within the university and globally. President Thompson is advancing the university’s research enterprise with a focus on faculty-led initiatives and strategic external partnerships. His efforts have already secured a $2 million grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation to launch a critical power grid network security lab, positioning JSU at the forefront of STEM research. With his direction and support, JSU has also become the first HBCU in the nation to offer stackable micro-credentials, expanding educational opportunities for students and ensuring they are well-prepared for success in the modern workforce.

President Thompson ensures that students remain the North Star of his administration. He shows this commitment by living on campus, regularly interacting with students, listening to their concerns, and addressing their needs directly. He also encourages alumni to support current students by contributing their “time, talents, and treasure,” strengthening the bond between the alumni community and the university to create lasting impact for future generations.

Beyond campus, President Thompson strengthens JSU’s role in research excellence, community partnerships and athletics investments, ensuring continued institutional success.

At the heart of President Thompson’s vision for Jackson State University is the goal of positioning the institution as a world-class, 21st-century university. He places great emphasis on customer care, ensuring it is central to a holistic collegiate experience that fosters trust and sense of belonging among students and stakeholders alike. President Thompson envisions JSU as a “home away from home” for all, cultivating a culture that honors both its rich history and future potential. He believes that the university’s greatness comes from the collective efforts of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters. Deeply connected to JSU through his upbringing, he views his work as both an honor and a privilege, and is affectionately known by many as “Pastor Prez.”

Before his presidency, President Thompson served as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Administrative Officer for Mississippi’s Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL), overseeing statewide university operations, policy implementation and accessibility initiatives. A former educator and school administrator, he also held leadership roles in K-12 education and the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), where he served as Chief of Staff and Assistant to the State Superintendent of Education.

President Thompson earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University, a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History and Spanish from Mississippi College.

He and his wife, LaToya Redd Thompson, Esq., are the proud parents of Kaelyn, Jessica and Marcus Jr. Under his leadership, JSU is shaping the future of higher education, setting “THEE Standard” for student success, research excellence and institutional impact.