Jordan to lead MSU’s AI efforts in new role, Willard named interim VP for research, economic development

Contact: Sid Salter

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Continuing its commitment to innovation and responsible leadership in technology, Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum today announced the appointment of current MSU Vice President for Research and Economic Development Julie Jordan as the university’s first Senior Adviser for Artificial Intelligence and Data Governance beginning Nov. 1.

Jordan will transition from vice president to devote her full efforts to this new role, where she will lead the university’s strategic initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) and oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive data governance. This new position reflects MSU’s commitment to advancing research and education while ensuring the ethical and effective use of data and AI. 

Keenum said Jordan’s new position would “continue to demonstrate MSU’s emergence as a leader in AI as we serve our students, our state, and our nation’s rapidly expanding digital economy.”

“Dr. Jordan’s extensive experience and foresight have been instrumental in our growth as a research leader,” said Keenum. “Her new leadership position is vital for MSU as we pioneer the responsible adoption of these technologies across our campus, ensuring our position at the forefront of this new era of innovation.”

Since being named vice president in 2019, Jordan has overseen significant growth in MSU’s research portfolio and has been a strong advocate for the responsible development of AI.

Based on her leadership, Jordan was selected to serve as an ex officio member of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Regulation Task Force established earlier this year by the Mississippi Legislature. The group is designed to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used in a responsible, ethical, and transparent manner that aligns with the state’s values and missions.

Jordan also serves on the AI Workforce Readiness Council, established by executive order of Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves last June, which is a partnership between AccelerateMS, the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), and Amazon Web Services (AWS). The Council focuses on the development of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and technical capacities in Mississippi’s colleges and universities to support the multi-billion expansion of AWS in the state.

The initiative, known as the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program, or MAI-TAP, establishes a training infrastructure that benefits the broader technology and information sectors. 

“I am honored to take on this new challenge,” Jordan said. “This role is a crucial step in ensuring that MSU uses AI and data in a way that is not only innovative but also responsible and secure. I look forward to working with our talented faculty and staff to accelerate university-wide adoption and set the standard for institutional data governance.” 

Succeeding Jordan as interim vice president for research and economic development will be Scott T. Willard, current Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, or MAFES, since 2022.      

“Dean Willard’s proven record of effective leadership and scholarship as a dean and director makes him the perfect choice to build on the momentum of our overall university research enterprise,” said Keenum. “His deep understanding of our land-grant mission and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration will serve our university well.” 

Willard has been instrumental in growing the MAFES research profile and promoting innovative academic programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. 

“I am excited to lead MSU’s research and economic development efforts and to support our incredible faculty and students,” said Willard. “MSU has a rich history of impactful, multi-disciplinary research, and I look forward to fostering a collaborative environment that drives discovery and innovation across all our fields.” 

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