Alcorn State University is pleased to announce that Dr. Adell Brown has joined the university as its interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Brown will replace Dr. Cornelius Wooten, senior vice president and CFO, effective April 15, 2023.
“I would like to express my appreciation to Dr. Cornelius Wooten for his outstanding service to Alcorn, said Dr. Felecia M. Nave, president of Alcorn. “Dr. Wooten joined our leadership team in 2020 at a time of great uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenging circumstances, he rose to the occasion and provided exceptional leadership to the university.”
“As the Senior VP for finance, administration, and operations, Dr. Wooten made significant advancements in facilities and finance, which has had a positive impact on Alcorn’s overall performance. Notably, the completion of the Campus Master Plan which was under his guidance will be released soon, which will be a significant milestone for Alcorn. Once again, thank you, Dr. Wooten, for your exceptional service and dedication to our organization. Your contributions will always be appreciated.”
“We are excited to have Dr. Brown join Alcorn and look forward to the positive momentum he will continue in business operations,” said Nave.
Prior to joining Alcorn State, Brown served in interim roles as a vice president for administration and finance at Housatonic and Gateway Community Colleges in Connecticut and Rust College, Mississippi, as a member of the Registry.
He retired from the Southern University and A&M System, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after serving for more than 40 years, holding various senior leadership positions such as Vice Chancellor for Research, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, and Interim Chancellor/Dean of the Southern University Agriculture Center.
He is an accomplished author with several publications in professional journals, books, and other media outlets, primarily in the areas of agricultural and rural development, focusing on enhancing opportunities for farm families with small-land holdings and addressing persistent poverty in rural communities.
Aside from his impressive professional achievements, Brown is an active member of his community and is involved in several organizations such as the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and 100 Black of Metro Baton. He also volunteers at the First Mount Zion Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, La.
In addition, Brown is a native of Gilbert, La., and holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from Northeast Louisiana State University, a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southwest Louisiana, and a doctorate of philosophy degree in agricultural economics from Louisiana State University.
He is married to Doris Gray Brown, and they have three daughters, Brandy, Ashley, and Adele, and one grandson, Taylor Brown.
“I am excited to have been awarded the opportunity to serve as the interim CFO for ASU, a renowned HBCU land-grant institution,” said Brown. “I am especially honored to join the executive team led by President Nave. I look forward to working with and serving all stakeholders of Alcorn State University.”
