Dr. Denise Jones Gregory has been officially appointed as the 14th president of Jackson State University following a nationwide search. Having served as interim president since May 2025 and previously as provost and vice president for academic affairs, her appointment reflects both continuity in leadership and a forward-looking vision for the institution.
For the Research Institute for Tactical Autonomy (RITA), Jackson State plays a critical role in advancing research and developing the next generation of technical talent. As a key RITA partner, the university continues to drive work in areas such as tactical autonomous systems and human-machine teaming, core domains aligned with the institute’s mission to support the future needs of the warfighter.
Dr. Gregory brings a strong academic and research background to the role. A Jackson State alumna with a degree in chemistry, she went on to earn her doctorate from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has completed multiple executive leadership programs focused on higher education. Her trajectory reflects a deep understanding of the evolving demands of research institutions.
Selected from a highly competitive applicant pool, Dr. Gregory’s appointment positions Jackson State to continue expanding its impact across education, research, and national defense priorities. As a key RITA partner institution, the university remains central to building a highly skilled workforce and advancing innovation in support of mission-critical challenges.
