JACKSON, Miss. – Alcorn State University President Dr. George E. Ross is leaving the Mississippi campus early next year to take the helm at Central Michigan University.
Ross, 58, will return to Central Michigan University as its president March 1, the state College Board announced Thursday. Before coming to Alcorn State in January 2008, Ross had served as Central Michigan’s vice president for finance and administrative services.
Gail Torreano, chairwoman for the Board of Trustees of Central Michigan, said in a statement that Ross has a strong vision for the university in Mount Pleasant, Mich.
“His extensive experience successfully leading higher education institutions, excellent financial management background and high energy are well suited to lead CMU forward in these difficult economic times.”
In Mississippi, meanwhile, some said Ross’ departure comes at a crucial time for Alcorn State. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has proposed merging Alcorn with the two other historically Black schools – Jackson State University and Mississippi Valley State University – to reduce state budget costs.
In a statement released by the College Board, Ross said he was honored to have served Alcorn and the state “during such a transformative time in the university’s history.” He said he didn’t actively seek the Central Michigan presidency.
The Central Michigan trustees board said it settled on Ross after a national search.
