BG
Senior Member
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A Letter from Dr. Ronald Mason regarding Southern University position
By jacksonstate
Dear Jacksonians,
Many of you are aware that I am the top rated of three finalists for the Presidency of the Southern University System. On April 30 the Southern Board will make the final selection. If selected I will accept the position.
Belinda and I have struggled with determining what to do. On the one hand, for the past ten years we have been part of a family that has enhanced JSU’s prominence among HBCUs. National rankings, a beautiful campus, a much improved graduation rate, research preeminence and athletic dominance have become the norm for JSU. The early years were challenging, but the hardest work is done. The easy path would be to stay and build on the successes of the past 10 years.
However a combination of factors has affected our decision. Although we receive periodic requests to become involved in presidential searches, we have never been interested. The one exception was Howard University, because it is the flagship HBCU and critically important to black higher education. Southern is the second.
First, much as was the case with JSU, Southern is a challenge we did not seek; in many ways it sought us. We have always believed that God sets the course and we have an obligation to follow it. Second, Baton Rouge is closer to our parents, who are requiring increasing attention with age and illness. Third, Southern is a system of institutions that, if properly organized and operated, offers great potential for the cause that we serve, which is to help improve the condition of Black people through Historically Black Institutions of higher learning.
Please understand that I am only one of three highly qualified candidates. My selection is by no means a certainty. However I felt it only fair to let you know in advance what would happen if I am selected.
Belinda and I have great love and admiration for the JSU family. We will go where duty calls. If that is Southern, then we will respond with the best of our ability. If it is not Southern, then we hope that we can continue to be part of the team that will push JSU to even greater levels of prominence in the future.
We thank you for your consideration, understanding and patience.
Ronald Mason, Jr.
President
Jackson State University
A Letter from Dr. Ronald Mason regarding Southern University position
By jacksonstate
Dear Jacksonians,
Many of you are aware that I am the top rated of three finalists for the Presidency of the Southern University System. On April 30 the Southern Board will make the final selection. If selected I will accept the position.
Belinda and I have struggled with determining what to do. On the one hand, for the past ten years we have been part of a family that has enhanced JSU’s prominence among HBCUs. National rankings, a beautiful campus, a much improved graduation rate, research preeminence and athletic dominance have become the norm for JSU. The early years were challenging, but the hardest work is done. The easy path would be to stay and build on the successes of the past 10 years.
However a combination of factors has affected our decision. Although we receive periodic requests to become involved in presidential searches, we have never been interested. The one exception was Howard University, because it is the flagship HBCU and critically important to black higher education. Southern is the second.
First, much as was the case with JSU, Southern is a challenge we did not seek; in many ways it sought us. We have always believed that God sets the course and we have an obligation to follow it. Second, Baton Rouge is closer to our parents, who are requiring increasing attention with age and illness. Third, Southern is a system of institutions that, if properly organized and operated, offers great potential for the cause that we serve, which is to help improve the condition of Black people through Historically Black Institutions of higher learning.
Please understand that I am only one of three highly qualified candidates. My selection is by no means a certainty. However I felt it only fair to let you know in advance what would happen if I am selected.
Belinda and I have great love and admiration for the JSU family. We will go where duty calls. If that is Southern, then we will respond with the best of our ability. If it is not Southern, then we hope that we can continue to be part of the team that will push JSU to even greater levels of prominence in the future.
We thank you for your consideration, understanding and patience.
Ronald Mason, Jr.
President
Jackson State University