Marcus Jones will serve as NSU’s interim president

NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) — The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System has appointed Marcus Jones to serve as interim president of Northwestern State University effective July 1.

Jones' appointment was approved by the board Thursday after President Chris Maggio announced his retirement effective June 30, the university said in a news release. Maggio has said retiring will allow him to spend more time with family friends. He also plans to explore new opportunities to serve others in the field of education and related areas.

“I am honored to have been selected to serve Northwestern during this transitional period,” Jones said. “I look forward to returning to the university I have called home for so many years and working with Dr. Maggio and university leaders to continue executing our mission.”

For the past year, Jones has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the university system. He also oversaw management of budgets, administration, policies and procedures and international relations and acted as the legal liaison for the university system.

Jones also served as the Northwestern State's executive vice president for university and business affairs from 2017-2020 where he was a key administrator in the planning, operation and management of the university.