12/3/2009 - Jackson, Miss.

In March, Alcorn State University President George E. Ross will return to Central Michigan University as the institution's new president.

Dr. Ross, 58, has served as Alcorn's 17th president since January 2008. Prior to his tenure at Alcorn, he served as Central Michigan's Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services.

Central Michigan University is located in Mount Pleasant, Mich., and has a current enrollment of about 27,000 students.

"I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve Alcorn State University and the state of Mississippi during such a transformative time in the university's history," Dr. Ross said. "While I did not actively seek the presidency at Central Michigan University, I believe it is a unique opportunity. I will always be proud of the many achievements of Alcorn's faculty, staff and students during my tenure and I am confident that the institution will continue to be successful in the future."

Under his leadership, Alcorn State University has developed a new strategic plan, updated campus housing and seen enrollment growth. Alcorn has 3,339 students enrolled this year, according to preliminary enrollment figures.

"We believe in hiring talented people. Dr. Ross is a capable administrator and dedicated educator, so it is not surprising that another institution would want him to serve as its leader," Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Hank Bounds said. "We wish Dr. Ross good luck in his new position. We will not forget his contributions here in Mississippi."

State Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees President Scott Ross agreed.

"Alcorn State has made significant gains under Dr. Ross's leadership," Scott Ross said. "We thank him for his service to the university and the state."

The Board is expected to briefly discuss Dr. Ross's resignation request and the institutional transition at the Dec. 17 meeting.

Before serving at Central Michigan University, Dr. Ross held positions at Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Tuskeegee University in Alabama, and the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit. Dr. Ross also served on several Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation review teams throughout the southeastern United States.

Prior to his work in higher education, Dr. Ross, a certified public accountant, held positions in corporate and non-profit finance and management. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from Michigan State University, a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Alabama, and completed post-doctoral studies at Harvard University.

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