From our founding in 1877 as a seminary, to our present-day status as a doctoral research university, JSU remains committed to developing leaders and advancing society through transformative ideas. Allow us to reflect on our predecessors helped to inspire and shape us.
1877-1894
Dr. Charles Ayer
1894-1911
Dr. Luther G. Barrett
1911-1927
Dr. Zachary T. Hubert
1927-1940
Dr. B. Baldwin Dansby
1940-1967
Dr. Jacob L. Reddix
1967-1984
Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr.
1984-1991
Dr. James A. Hefner
1991-1992
Dr. Herman B. Smith, Jr. (interim)
1992-1999
Dr. James E. Lyons Sr.
1999-2000
Dr. Bettye Ward Fletcher (interim)
2000-2010
Dr. Ronald Mason, Jr.
2010
Dr. Leslie Burl McLemore (interim)
2011-2016
Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers
2016-2017
Dr. Rod Paige (interim)
2017-2020
Dr. William B. Bynum
2020-2023
Thomas Hudson, J.D.
2023
Dr. Elayne Hayes Anthony (Acting)
2023-Present
Dr. Marcus L. Thompson