Jul 11th, 2014
After an extensive and thorough national search and subsequent interview process, Dr. Larry G. Bailey was chosen to be the next Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) for Jackson State Community College. He comes to JSCC with a unique and extensive background that includes serving as a faculty member, chief academic officer, and as a president of Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC).
Dr. Bailey completed his BBA and MBA degrees from Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. He earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi and completed postdoctoral work in community college leadership at Mississippi State University.
Dr. Bailey served as president of MDCC from 2001 to 2012 and as Dean of Academic Affairs from 1993 to 2001. MDCC is a comprehensive community college that serves the heart of the Mississippi Delta with its main campus located in Moorhead and supporting four other satellite campuses.
'The mission statement for JSCC matches my personal philosophy and vision of what a community college should be,' states Bailey. He notes that his philosophy of education is focused on the student and believes that students are the most important people on campus and that it is the job of the community college to provide an opportunity for everyone who desires to pursue a college education.
Dr. Bailey, a lifelong resident of Mississippi and the Delta region, attributes his work ethic and sensibility to his upbringing in this rural agricultural area. 'At an early age, my parents taught me the importance of being independent,' states Bailey. 'I have held a full-time job since the age of 15 and had to work my way through high school, college, and graduate school.' It is this type of experience that he feels has developed a deep appreciation and commitment for assuming responsibility, working diligently, helping others, and living by high moral standards.
Dr. Bruce Blanding, JSCC president, notes, 'Dr. Bailey has a wealth of experience that will serve our students well.' Noting the similarities between the two institutions, he continues, 'He should be able to step in and assume this role with minimal time for transition.'
Noting both professional and personal experience, Dr. Blanding says of Bailey, 'He is very well suited to serve as our vice president of academic affairs,' continuing, 'During his campus interviews, he demonstrated the perspective and dedication the college is looking for to provide leadership as our chief academic officer.'
The VPAA is JSCC's chief academic officer and has major responsibility for ensuring that all academic courses and programs are highly effective and successful.