Dr. Roy C. Hudson, a Mississippi Valley State University graduate and longtime administrator, said Monday he considered it "a responsibility rather than a privilege" to be appointed the school's interim president.
"I thank you for your support," Hudson said at a press conference. "I can't satisfy everybody. I'm not a miracle worker, but I'll do the best I can."
The state College Board unanimously selected Hudson to the post on Monday. He has been serving as vice president for university relations.
He will officially take over as interim president Sunday, when last month's resignation by Dr. Lester C. Newman takes effect.
Hudson was greeted with a standing ovation by more than 100 people at the press conference. He said he felt his previous administrative experience had prepared him for his new role.
"I've worked for four presidents and was a student under the first president, Dr. J.H. White," he said. "I have a keen understanding of the role of president."
He said he did not know whether he would pursue the presidency on a permanent basis.
Hudson has worked at MVSU as a faculty member and administrator for the past 34 years. He has been the director of student teaching, assistant to the president, vice president for administration and vice president for institutional advancement. He has served as vice president for university relations since 2000.
An Itta Bena native, he earned a bachelor's degree from MVSU, a master's degree in arts for teachers from Mississippi State University and a doctorate in education from Rutgers University.
Hudson said his two immediate goals were recruitment of faculty and recruitment of students. He wants to increase the number of faculty members with doctorates.
"An institution is judged on its faculty," he said.
Hudson also asked for help in meeting the 10 percent diversity enrollment required by the Ayers desegregation lawsuit settlement. "I'm calling on everyone to assist in helping get people of diversity to our campus," he said.
Receiving the settlement money from meeting that quota would help balance the budget, he said.
The interim president called for patience as the campus continues with several construction projects.
"We're all going to have to sacrifice some," he said.
Hudson said others like him will be working out of modular units.
"You got a front porch out there now. Learn to love it," he said to laughs.
The proposed restructuring plan for university administration recently submitted to the College Board by Newman is "up for review," Hudson said. He is working on a restructuring plan that he will have an opportunity to submit, he said.
"The board appreciates Dr. Hudson's service to the university and the state," College Board President Dr. L. Stacy Davidson Jr. said in a statement. "We are confident he will provide effective leadership as we begin the process of searching for the sixth president of Mississippi Valley State University."
The College Board has not yet decided how it will proceed with the search process, according to Annie Mitchell, board spokesperson. The board's next meeting is Aug. 15.
