Veteran Educator Named Interim President at Alcorn State University

Norris Edney was named interim president of Alcorn State University, the historically black educational institution in Mississippi. George Ross, president of Alcorn State since 2008, is leaving to take over the presidency of Central Michigan University.

Dr. Edney will serve until a permanent replacement for Ross is found. Under state policy, interim presidents are not permitted to apply for the position on a permanent basis.

Since 2001 Dr. Edney, now 73 years old, has been serving as president of the Natchez-Adams School Board. Previously he had a 35-year career as a faculty member and administrator at Alcorn State University. He was professor and chair of the biology department and was dean of graduate studies. For five years, Edney served as president of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Dr. Edney is a graduate of Tougaloo College. He holds a master’s degree in biology from Antioch College and a Ph.D. in conservation from Michigan State University.

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