Board names acting president at Mississippi Valley State

ITTA BENA — The state College Board has named Alfred Rankins Jr. as acting president of Mississippi Valley State University.

He was meeting with students, faculty and staff yesrterday in Itta Bena.

In October, the board declined to retain current president Donna Oliver. Her contract runs through Dec. 31, although she is expected to take leave time before then.

Rankins will lead the 2,500-student university while the board seeks a full-time replacement. Interim leaders are generally not considered for permanent posts.

Rankins will be paid $192,937.50, the same yearly salary as Oliver.

Rankins, a Greenville native, is associate commissioner for academic and student affairs for the College Board. He will retain some associate commissioner duties.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University and master’s and doctoral degrees from Mississippi State University.