Jackson State president resigns amid finance issues

Jackson State University president Carolyn Meyers announced her resignation Tuesday afternoon after denying rumors about her departure last week.

Her resignation comes on the heels of the discovery that JSU’s cash reserves have plummeted 89 percent in the last five years, landing at $4.2 million for the 2016 fiscal year that ended in the fall.

Meyers in a short resignation letter said she was leaving "out of genuine love of and pride in the university." She said her resignation would be effective Nov. 1, and that she is prepared to vacate the president's residence at the school within 30 days.

Recently retired JSU Golf Coach Eddie Payton, who is a former JSU football player and NFL player, said Meyers has done a lot good things for the university.

"We will look to the future and hopefully we will get a forward-thinking president, like Meyers," Payton said late Tuesday.

Meyers' tenure has come with accolades and criticism. There have been glowing reports of record enrollment at Jackson State. She was selected as the Historic Black Colleges and Universities Digest's Female President of the Year in 2014. Jackson State was named an Apple Distinguished School for 2013-15.

But there has been criticism about Meyers, including complaints about the large number of people who have resigned or been fired during her administration. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against the school during her tenure, particularly against her friend and former Athletic Director Vivian Fuller.

Meyers didn't address why she is leaving in her letter.

"As the university has done for anyone leaving for any reason — voluntary or involuntary — and in accordance with the JSU handbook (which by the way precedes my tenure) I expect that I would also receive an extra thirty days of compensation as well as compensation for all accrued benefits," Meyers wrote in a letter to Higher Education Commissioner Glenn Boyce.

State Sen. John Horhn, D-Jackson, who has been a big supporter of the university in the Legislature and in the community, said he doesn't know the particulars of her resignation, but "there is a lot of concern about the cash balance and the financial stability of the university."

"The cash balance getting as low as it did put the (College Board) in a precarious position," Horhn said. "They like for them to have 90 days of cash reserves to cover payroll, and Jackson State had gotten down to about seven days ... Under the IHL system, as I understand, when one institution becomes weak financially, the other institutions have to wrap their arms around that university to help preserve the whole, so this doesn't just affect Jackson State, it impacts all institutions ... It was a problem that had continued to erode during her tenure, and for the board, as I understand it, it became unacceptable.

"This is a valuable, critical institution for central Mississippi ... We've got to make sure it maintains its fiscal solvency and remains the important institution that it is," Horhn said. "I don't know what plans Dr. Meyers has, but I certainly wish her well."

Former longtime Hinds County Supervisor George Smith said he regrets that Meyers is leaving. He said he hopes the next president will continue to work with the community and businesses to enhance the urban university.

Boyce in a statement Tuesday night said he has accepted Meyers' resignation and "We appreciate (her) service to Jackson State University and wish her well in all future endeavors." He said an interim president will be named and a timeline for the search for a permanent replacement announced soon.

"Students remain our top priority," Boyce said.

Three names have been mentioned as possible interim president to replace Meyers. They are former U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige, a JSU graduate; former JSU Provost James Renick, who was brought in by Meyers, but resigned his position; and Elayne Hayes-Anthony, who was named chairwoman of JSU's Department of Mass Communications last year. The department has now become the School of Communications and Journalism.

An email Meyers sent to the JSU community Oct. 18 prompted talk of her leaving, as she reflected on her tenure as president. It referred to her goals when she first took on the role in 2011, the development of JSU's Madison and downtown Jackson campuses, new degree programs and First Lady Michelle Obama's commencement speech last spring.

"Your support and commitment to this fine institution are truly immeasurable," she wrote. "Know that I am forever grateful.  Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to those who gave me the opportunity to become a Jacksonian in 2011 as well as to those inside and outside of JSU who showered me with prayers and love in recognition that “It’s about the University!”

Meyers didn’t attend a meeting of the state College Board on Thursday morning during which the university’s finances were discussed. JSU spokespeople did not respond to requests for an interview with Meyers.

During Meyers' time as president, the university went from a $17 million cash flow surplus to an $8 million deficit.

“An issue of this magnitude may take several years to correct,” Boyce said. “Throughout the process, our absolute goal is to ensure that students are a top priority.”

"It is important to emphasize that the news release from IHL applies to the university’s cash reserves — its savings account," a news release issued Thursday said. "This in no way affects the daily operating budget of the university. At no time, past or present, has the university been under any threat of insolvency."

Myers in written statements last week defended the school's cash shortfall, blaming it on "phenomenal growth" and new programs at the school and saying the College Board had signed off on at least one major project -- to repair a dilapidated library that had become dangerous -- that lowered the reserves.

Clay Chandler, spokesman for Gov. Phil Bryant, said in a statement: "The governor has confidence the College Board will conduct a throrough search and find a suitable replacement for Dr. Meyers."

Contact Jimmie E. Gates at 601-961-7212 or jgates@jackson.gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter.