Dr. Jesse Snowden Named Interim President at Southeastern
Dr. Jesse O. Snowden has been named Interim President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, according to an announcement made this morning by the Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO). Dr. Snowden currently serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Southeastern, a position he has held since 1999.
Dr. Snowden will begin his interim duties in mid-January, when current Southeastern President Dr. Glen D. Johnson assumes his position as Chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
“We want to congratulate President Johnson on his appointment as chancellor,” said Regent Mark Stansberry, chairman of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. “During his 9 ½ year tenure as president of Southeastern, he has proven to be a dynamic leader who has led the University to great success. We wish him well as he soon begins his new leadership role. The regents have great confidence in Dr. Jesse Snowden and believe his background and experience will assure his success in the important role of interim president as the search begins for a permanent replacement.”
Regent Stansberry also announced that the following RUSO regents will serve on the search committee for the new Southeastern president: Regent Ann Holloway of Ardmore, who will chair the committee; Regent Harold Jackson of Chickasha; Regent Richard Ryerson of Alva; and Regent Mickey Thompson of Ada.
“I know that Dr. Snowden will do an outstanding job in his new role of interim president,” said President Johnson. “I will do everything I can to assist him as he moves into this position and I know the faculty, staff and students will be very supportive. Southeastern has a very bright future.”
“I appreciate the support of President Johnson and the regents as I prepare to serve Southeastern in the role of interim president,” said Dr. Snowden. “President Johnson has accomplished a great deal during his time here and we look forward to continuing that success in the future. I know that our students, faculty and staff are committed to continuing the momentum of excellence President Johnson has established at Southeastern.”
Dr. Snowden has 44 years of experience in higher education, as both a faculty member and administrator. He began his career in higher education in 1962 as a geology instructor at Millsaps College. He has also held faculty/administrative positions at Mississippi State University, the University of New Orleans, Southeast Missouri State University, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Prior to coming to Southeastern in 1999, Dr. Snowden served as Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Technology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (1996-99). From 1990-96, he was Dean of the College of Science and Technology at Southeast Missouri State University.
While at the University of New Orleans from 1969-90, Dr. Snowden served in a number of capacities, including, Professor of Geology, Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Geology and Geophysics, and Chairperson of the Department of Geology and Geophysics.
Dr. Snowden earned a B.S. in geology/chemistry at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, a M.A. in geology at the University of Missouri, Columbia, and a Ph.D. in geology at the University of Missouri.
