Mississippi Valley State University has its new leader, and it is a familiar face.
The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning announced Dr. Jerryl Briggs will officially take the helm of the university moving forward.
Briggs, who previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Delta university, has served as interim president since June, according to a release by the college on Thursday.
“Dr. Briggs has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as Acting President and Executive Vice President at Mississippi Valley State University,” said Dr. Glenn Boyce, Commissioner of Higher Education. “Having honed these skills over many years in higher education, he has developed a student-centered approach that puts a laser focus on enabling student success. His experience and skill set, coupled with an understanding of the university and the Delta gained since coming to the university, make him ideally suited to lead the university into its next chapter.”
MVSU is not the only area college that will experience transition in leadership during the 2017-2018 school year.
Earlier this week, we reported Mississippi Delta Community College President Larry Nabors plans to retire this coming summer.
Briggs earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry education from Xavier University of La., his Master of Arts degree in human relations and supervision from Louisiana Tech University, and both an Educational Specialist degree in higher education administration and doctorate in educational policy, planning and leadership from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. He also completed Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management program, according to the release.
Briggs has over two decades of experience in academia at multiple universities including The College of William & Mary. IHL leaders lauded the university for both its sound financial condition as well as an 11.4 percent increase in enrollment from 2013-16.
