The Jackson State University Board of Trustees has named former Jackson City Councilman Leslie Burl McLemore interim JSU president while it searches for a replacement for outgoing president Ronald Mason. McLemore, a professor of political science, co-founded JSU's Fannie Lou Hamer Institute on Citizenship and Democracy and has served as dean of the university's Graduate School.
"I am honored to have been asked to serve as the interim president of the institution where I have built my career over the last 39 years," McLemore said in a statement. "I am prepared and ready to go to work for the people of Mississippi and for Jackson State University, one of the finest institutions in this nation."
McLemore, 69, spent 10 years representing Ward 2 on the City Council. Following the death of former Mayor Frank Melton, he served as interim mayor for one month.
"Jackson State needs an interim president who is supported by the university community. With his teaching and leadership experience at the university, Dr. McLemore certainly has that support," IHL Board President Dr. Bettye Neely said in a statement. "The Board is confident that he is the right person to oversee the institution during this transition."
See tomorrow's JFP Daily for an update
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