JACKSON — Dr. George E. Ross, whom the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) has selected to serve as the next president of Alcorn State University, announced today that his leukemia is in remission. “My wife, Elizabeth, and I continue to appreciate the thoughts and prayers from both the Alcorn State and Central Michigan communities,” said Dr. Ross, who currently serves as vice president of finance and administrative services at Central Michigan University.

During its next meeting on August 15, 2007, the Board is expected to approve an updated start date of Thursday, January 3, 2008, for the incoming president. The January date, a change from the last approved date of September 1, 2006, will enable Dr. Ross to complete his medical treatment program without interruption at Ann Arbor’s University of Michigan Hospital. Dr. Malvin Williams will continue to serve the institution as interim president until January 3.

“We are thankful the leukemia is in remission and look forward to Dr. Ross assuming the presidency in January,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Thomas C. Meredith.

Under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, IHL governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.