Cook and Russ promoted to permanent administrative posts by President Nave
Successful interim tenures by two key administrators at Alcorn State University has led to permanent positions on President Felecia M. Nave’s cabinet.
Tracy Cook and Cyrus Russ were respectively promoted to vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and assistant vice president for Athletic Compliance and Academic Services.
Cook, an Alcorn alum who returned to the university in 2015, responsibilities include providing direction and supervision of the units and directors within the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management including admissions and recruiting, career services and residence life. In this role, he develops key collaborative relationships with campus administrative areas, faculty, and campus and community leaders to plan and implement strategic initiatives.
As the senior level university administrator responsible for providing academic support services and rules compliance for all sports teams, Russ also an alum, plays a vital role in supporting the success of Alcorn athletics. His area also serves as an educational resource to student-athletes, coaches, athletics administration staff, and university constituencies that interact with athletics. The two are grateful that their work during their interim period has paid off.
“I feel honored and blessed to receive a promotion at my beloved Alcorn State University,” said Cook. “I’m proud that President Nave has confidence that I can get the job done.”
“It is a great feeling to have the opportunity to serve the institution in a permanent capacity,” said Russ. “I look forward to the challenge and serving the institution in a way that will make Alcornites proud.”
Both leaders center their initiatives on the betterment of the student body. Providing unlimited resources and opportunities for students to succeed academically are at the forefront of their agendas.
“I want to offer each student the opportunity to learn in an environment that is conducive to fostering teaching and molding minds to face a challenging world,” said Cook. “I want our students to realize that they have a voice that should be heard. I remain committed to the challenges ahead and will work diligently to promote the vision of our university.”
“My goal is to be proactive in building collaborative relationships and partnerships that will lead to increased resources for our students and the university,” said Russ. “We have to evaluate our processes and procedures to ensure they continuously serve our students’ needs. If changes are implemented, they will be need-based and will leverage resources for our student-athletes, coaches, athletics administration staff, and other appropriate staff.”
President Nave applauds Cook and Russ for their unwavering commitment to uplifting the university and looks forward to the continued leadership of their respective offices.
“These individuals have worked diligently to ensure the success of their departments and Alcorn State University,” said Nave. “Their dedication to the strategic direction of our university is invaluable and I am glad to have them on our team.”
