In Memoriam: Ishmell Hendrex Edwards

Ishmell Hendrex Edwards, longtime administrator at Rust College, recently passed away.

For over five decades, Dr. Edwards held several key leadership roles at Rust College, a historically Black school in Holly Springs, Mississippi. His experience included service as a coach, athletic director, director of student activities, associate dean of students, dean of students, and director of development. During his tenure, he also had a stint as director of the NCAA’s National Youth Sports Program. At the time of his retirement in 2021, he was Rust’s vice president for college relations.

Throughout his career, Dr. Edwards received several awards for his leadership and service. Among other honors, the Rust student body selected him as the Rust College Administrator of the Year in 2016-2017.

Dr. Edwards was an alumnus of Rust College, where he majored in social science. He received his master’s degree and Ph.D. in higher education leadership from the University of Mississippi.

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