Marcus Jones, Northwestern State University’s new president, made NSU history even before his first official day on the job.

The Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System unanimously selected Jones as the university’s 20th president Nov. 8, appointing him as the first African American to lead the institution.

“The support that I’ve received from the Northwestern State community of the faculty, staff, students and alumni has been overwhelming,” Jones said.

“It’s an historic day for Northwestern State,” UL System President and CEO Jim Henderson said. “Marcus is an authentic leader of character, integrity and vision. His familiarity with the community, his passion for student success and his commitment to excellence will advance our alma mater for the next generation.”

Student reaction to Jones’ selection has been positive, too.

“I’ve seen the work he did as interim president and know he’s bringing everything he’s got to this university,” JoJuan Garmon, freshman music business major, said.

“I am sure Mr. Jones is going to do his best as a president to represent a better university for us,” Kamarreo Jernigan, freshman biology major, said.

“Northwestern is home to me. I know Northwestern and Northwestern knows me,” Jones said. “This is about fit and timing for Northwestern, and I will hit the ground running.”

Jones said one major goal for NSU is to expand its recruitment and educational initiatives globally. He wants to make NSU the choice for international students to come here and to secure more funding for NSU’s students to study abroad.

“It underscores what we do so well, which is create a family environment for our students and train them to be leaders,” Jones said, adding he wants to strengthen the relationship with business and industry to ensure students graduate with skills necessary for employment.

Jones, an NSU alumni, has worked in both faculty and administration positions at the university, beginning as an instructor in the School of Business in 1994 and eventually becoming a full professor of business law and international business. Jones served as vice president for university affairs and executive vice president for university and business affairs.

He left NSU in 2020 to become the executive vice president and chief operating office for the University of Louisiana System, returning to NSU in July to serve as interim president following Chris Maggio’s retirement.

Jones grew up in the small town of Winnfield, La and is one out of 20 children. The family did not have much money, so the prospects of him being successful were not great, he said.

As NSU’s first Black president, Jones said he hopes that his story and success encourages young people with similar backgrounds and stories to come to NSU.

“My story is a great example of how your surroundings and environment in which you grow up are not indicators of where you may end up,” Jones said.