IHL: Felecia Nave no longer president of Alcorn State

Felecia Nave is out as president of Alcorn State College, in keeping with a press launch from the Establishments of Larger Studying Board of Trustees. 

The board permitted the change throughout govt session at its common assembly Thursday. Ontario Wood, the provost and senior vp for educational affairs, will function interim president on the state’s oldest traditionally Black college, efficient instantly. 

It was not clear why the board bid Nave goodbye; an IHL spokesperson didn’t instantly return an inquiry from Mississippi Right now. IHL’s press launch doesn’t say if she resigned or if the board terminated her contract, which was set to finish on June 30, 2023. Tom Duff, the board president, is quoted saying “the Board needs Dr. Nave properly as she pursues new alternatives.”

Nave’s departure makes her the fourth college president to step down or depart since June 2022. In every occasion, IHL has offered little details about the circumstances surrounding these choices — particulars on why presidents depart often comes from the people themselves.

The primary Black girl to steer Alcorn State, Nave was named president in 2019 in a unanimous choice. 

The campus was initially enthusiastic about her presidency, however some turned bitter in 2021 resulting in dozens of scholars protesting her management within the fall. A bunch of alumni referred to as Alcornites for Change later produced a report alleging the campus confronted widespread points like declining enrollment, dozens of resignations and abysmal amenities. 

Nave didn’t attend IHL’s Thursday board assembly with the opposite college presidents — Wood appeared in her stead.

“I wish to thanks — the board, Commissioner Rankins — in your continued help of Alcorn State College,” he mentioned. “I carry you greetings on behalf of Dr. Nave.” 

Wood got here to Alcorn State in 2020. Previous to that, he spent 12 years in administration at North Carolina Central College.