Jackson State University Alum Makes History As First African American, First Male President Of Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey

(JACKSON, Miss.) — Jackson State University alum Dr. Gary B. Crosby has been selected unanimously by the Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) Board of Trustees to serve as the institution’s eighth president in Morristown, New Jersey. He has nearly 20 years of advanced innovative administrative experience in higher education. 
“I am deeply honored and humbled, and I want to thank the SEU Board of Trustees for their unanimous vote of confidence in my ability to advance the university’s mission while doing the work that I am most passionate about, which is advocating for and developing the next generation of leaders and change agents,” Crosby said. “This is a fantastic feeling, like capturing lighting in a bottle.” SEU bills itself as a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion since 1899. With that, Crosby becomes the first African American, as well as the first male, to hold this position in the school’s 121-year history. “Although my selection is historic, it is not about me as much as it aligns with the university’s history and mission. It is about people who have been either historically disenfranchised or discriminated against that enrolled or will enroll at SEU,” Crosby said. “They desire and deserve to receive a high-quality yet affordable education, ultimately impacting their lives for the better.” Crosby currently serves as the vice president for Student Affairs at Alabama A&M University. Prior to joining AAMU in 2015, he served in various capacities at Jackson State University. Specifically, Crosby secured a multimillion-dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education in support of faculty and student research, leadership development and scholarships. He was also instrumental in securing the university’s successful reaffirmation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
He earned a master’s degree in political science and a doctorate in urban and regional planning from Jackson State University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from The University of Southern Mississippi. Crosby is married to Larissia, and they have a daughter, Julia. His appointment will begin July 1, following the retirement of current president Dr. Helen Streubert. “I’m looking forward to embracing the University’s rich history while charting a highly collaborative and innovative path forward,” Crosby said