Interim President J. Charles Lee was applauded Jan. 17 by family, friends, co-workers, alumni, policymakers and others as Bryce Griffis, president of the State College Board, announced Lee as the 17th president of Mississippi State University.
The announcement was made at a press conference at the Hunter Henry Center Friday morning. Board members and family alike celebrated Lee’s appointment with a standing ovation.
“The board has observed during this period Dr. Lee’s great courage in leadership, which has brought excellence in results,” Griffis added.
Lee thanked the men and women who make up the university for their support and for making real progress under extenuating financial circumstances. He pledged that he and his wife Pat would do all in their power to serve the university and the state to the best of their ability. He said Pat is equally committed as he is in this undertaking.
At the press conference Lee outlined four priorities he has in mind during his tenure. Those were: providing access and opportunity to students from all sectors, broadening MSU’s commitment to extend resources and expertise of the university, embracing and enhancing MSU’s role as a major contributor to the economic development of the state and working to raise the national stature as a university.
Lee mentioned several short-term goals as well. He said, “While we work toward these long-range and short-term goals, we will constantly be aware of the need to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our students and a working environment that lets men and women pursue their highest individual potential at every level in this institution.”
Before the conference ended Lee spoke directly to his grandson sitting in the audience saying that he still wanted to make time for fishing trips and time together despite his appointment as MSU president.
“I am deeply honored to have the privilege to serve as president of this great institution, and Pat and I look forward to working with all of you with our utmost energy to help Mississippi State fulfill its potential and its purpose,” Lee said.