ITTA BENA Miss.
It was a pivotal moment in the 56-year history of Mississippi
Valley State University.
One of its own had been chosen as interim president to lead
the school past the tenure of Lester Newman.
“I have never seen this kind of vibe on campus, like a
big, happy birthday party,” said senior Emmitt Riley III,
incoming student body vice president.
Roy Hudson, the unanimous choice of the state College Board,
received a five-minute standing ovation July 9 as he announced the decision to
students, faculty and staff.
Hudson, whose
tenure began Monday, said he will make students the primary focus of his first
month at the helm. He will not say whether he will pursue the job permanently.
He was interviewed for the position in March 1998 before the board selected
Newman. If he applies and is selected as the permanent leader, he would be the
first alumnus to head the school.
The board has not decided when or how it will continue with
the presidential search, said Annie Mitchell, spokeswoman for the state College
Board. It will not meet again until Aug. 15.
The board will not comment further until the terms of the
search are decided, Mitchell said.
