M. Christopher Brown II, president of Alcorn State University in Mississippi, stepped down from his post on Thursday December 19. The resignation came amid an investigation by the state’s higher education commission into purchasing practices at the university. Earlier the investigation had led to the resignations of the university’s chief financial officer and the special assistant for university initiatives.
In a statement, Dr. Hank M. Bounds, Commissioner of Higher Education in Mississippi said, “The Board of Trustees and I appreciate his service to the university.” No further details were given on the reason for President Brown’s departure. Dr Bounds did add, “Alcorn State University is a strong institution that has weathered many changes during its history and has always held firm to its mission of teaching, research and service. I have no doubts that the university will continue serving its students and community with the commitment and dedication that is such a part of the fabric of Alcorn State University.”
Dr. Brown has led Alcorn State since 2010. Earlier in his career, he was provost at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, and dean of education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Brown is a graduate of South Carolina State University. He holds a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and a doctorate from Pennsylvania State University.
Norris Edney, a former interim president of Alcorn State, was named acting president.
