Chancellor Jones To Leave Ole Miss In September

[syndicaster id=’5696431′]

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI) – Ole Miss Chancellor Dan Jones rejects a contract extension from the Institutions of Higher Learning.

Now it’s official, the two are parting ways.
It’s a scene usually seen when colleges hire the next great football coach, but today at Ole Miss the cheers were for Ole Miss Chancellor Dan Jones, who is being forced out in September.

“I cannot sufficiently express the gratitude that Lydia and I feel for the amazing outpouring of support for us personally and for our beloved university. We will leave our position in September with a deep love for this place and most especially the people of the Ole Miss family,” said Chancellor Dan Jones, during a press conference.

Jones was offered a new contract but one that required him to step down in two years. That was the impasse the college and the chancellor couldn’t break.

“I hope to determine if board members will consider an extension that will allow me to serve as Chancellor without the outcome of my leadership being predetermined. From these meetings, it’s become clear that the board is not willing to do so. I feel strongly,as do most of my advisers that serving 2 years as a “lame Duck” would make it difficult to recruit and retain key leaders, and continue our momentum in private giving,” added Chancellor Jones.

The IHL says questions surrounding an audit at The University Medical Center and the failure to correct some problems left them no choice. Now, it’s that same board that may be having to answer some questions and fight to survive. State Senator Gray Tollison says lawmakers will look at a revamp of the college board, including the possibility of giving each school it’s own boards.

“Ole Miss needs it’s board of trustees, Southern, Mississippi State, and so they can have that single vision, focused on that university. It’s no longer possible to be fair to all 8 universities with that one board,” said District 9 Senator, Gray Tollison.

Today’s decision leaves thousands of students who rallied in support of Jones disappointed but determined to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

“Reguardless of how this turns out, I think we’re going to try to move this issue forward, bring the accountability of the IHL under the microscope more, bring that issue to the forefront to our state and we’ll see what happens after that,” said student supporter, Ryan Felder.

Chancellor Jones will leave his position in September.