Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Preselfannie E. Whitfield McDaniels serves as the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Jackson State University — a respected academic leader with over two decades of JSU service.
Dr. Preselfannie E. Whitfield McDaniels
Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Preselfannie E. Whitfield McDaniels' Biography
Dr. Preselfannie E. Whitfield McDaniels serves as the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Jackson State University. McDaniels is a respected academic leader who has dedicated over two decades of service to JSU.
She joined our faculty in 1999 as an English professor and has since held roles including department chair and, most recently, Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies. As a lifetime member of the JSU National Alumni Association and an active alumna, McDaniels exemplifies a deep commitment to our university's values.
In her new role as interim provost, she will oversee the university's academic strategy, support our faculty, and continue driving excellence across all colleges and programs.
Two decades of Jackson State service
Dr. McDaniels' career at Jackson State University spans from her arrival as an English professor in 1999 through progressive leadership roles to her current appointment as Interim Provost.
1999
English Professor
Joined the JSU faculty as an English professor in the Department of English — the beginning of over two decades of service to Jackson State University.
Progression
Department Chair
Served as department chair, advancing to increasing academic leadership responsibilities within JSU's academic structure.
Most Recently
Dean, Division of Graduate Studies
Served as Dean of JSU's Division of Graduate Studies, overseeing graduate education across all disciplines and programs.
Current Role
Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Serves as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, overseeing the university's academic strategy, supporting faculty, and driving excellence across all colleges and programs.
Lifetime Alumna · JSU National Alumni Association
Dr. McDaniels is a lifetime member of the JSU National Alumni Association and an active alumna — a JSU graduate herself who returned to her alma mater to serve the students, faculty, and community of Jackson State University.
This dual alumna-and-leader status reflects a deep, career-long commitment to Jackson State — more than 25 years of continuous service to the institution that shaped her own education.
Contact the Office of the Provost
Reaching the Provost's Office
The Office of the Provost handles inquiries through the Division of Academic Affairs main line and the Executive Assistant to the Provost. For a direct communication channel:
- Executive Assistant to the Provost: Ms. Sherree T. White — sherree.t.white@jsums.edu
- Academic Affairs Main Line: (601) 979-2246
- Associate Provost: Dr. Brandi Newkirk-Turner
- Full Staff Directory: Administrative Staff
Explore Academic Affairs
Academic Affairs quick links
Advancing JSU's academic mission
Under the leadership of the Interim Provost, the Division of Academic Affairs continues to support faculty, students, and the broader JSU community across all colleges and programs.
Division of Academic Affairs
Division of Academic Affairs
1400 J.R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217
P.O. Box 17199
Jackson, MS 39217