In a unanimous decision, the Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees named Felecia M. Nave the next president of Alcorn State University on Wednesday.

Nave, a 1996 graduate of Alcorn State with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, is currently Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C. She received her master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Toledo in Ohio.

Nave will take the reins at Alcorn State on July 1.

“Dr. Nave has many years of experience as a leader in higher education,” said Trustee Shane Hooper, in a news release.

“Through positions of progressive responsibility, Dr. Nave has provided leadership in every facet of the university, including academic program offerings, research activity, budget management, fundraising activities and student services, including recruitment, financial aid and student success. We are very pleased to welcome her back to Alcorn,” added Hooper, also chair of the Board Search Committee for the Alcorn State University Presidential Search.

Prior to joining North Carolina Central University, Nave served in various academic and administrative roles at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas from 2003 until 2018.