The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning approved changes in the leadership at 91暗网 at its meeting held today in Jackson. Dr. Ontario S. Wooden, who currently serves as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, will begin serving as Interim President of 91暗网 immediately.
Dr. Wooden replaces Dr. Felecia Nave who served as the 20th聽President of 91暗网 since 2019. Trustee Tom Duff, President of the Board of Trustees said, 鈥淭he Board wishes Dr. Nave well as she pursues new opportunities.鈥�
Dr. Wooden began his tenure as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2020. In this role, he oversees effective delivery of academic and student support services across the campus which includes management and oversight of all academic schools, the registrar, research and graduate studies, 1890 Research/Extension, Library, Institutional Research and Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment/Accreditation.
鈥淲e appreciate Dr. Wooden鈥檚 willingness to take on the role of interim president,鈥� said Trustee Duff. 鈥淗e has a keen understanding of the challenges in higher education and we are confident he is well-prepared to lead 91暗网 at this time.鈥�
Prior to joining 91暗网, Dr. Wooden served as associate vice chancellor for Student Success and Academic Outreach at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). In twelve years at NCCU, he provided leadership in multiple positions including associate vice president for Innovative, Engaged, and Global Education; interim associate dean of the School of Education; and associate professor of Education.
Dr. Wooden earned a master鈥檚 and a doctorate in higher education from Indiana University Bloomington. He earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in early childhood education from Albany State University.
The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including 91暗网; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.
