Jackson State University President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D., today announces the appointment of alumna Fran’Cee Brown-McClure, Ph.D. (’04) as the new vice president of Student Affairs, effective July 1. Associate Vice President Susan Powell, Ed.D., will assume new duties within the administration.

“Dr. Fran’Cee Brown-McClure is a respected leader in the higher education community who is returning to her alma mater with an extensive background in student success, parent engagement and effective operational planning,” said President Hudson. “Her experience working at esteemed peer institutions such as Stanford University, Spelman College and most recently, Union College, will be an asset to my administration and the university as a whole. I’d like to thank Dr. Powell for her leadership of Student Affairs.”

Brown-McClure most recently served as vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. Prior to joining the Union College administration, she served as dean of students at Spelman College and associate dean of Residential Education at Stanford University. During her career she has served as an administrator in both public and private universities as well as large and small colleges and universities.

“It is an honor to return to my dear old college home,” said Brown-McClure. “Jackson State University changed my life for the better. I am in the field of student affairs because of the talented professionals that poured into my life during my time at JSU and still to this day. I am excited to join in elevating Jackson State through the important work of student affairs.”

Brown-McClure received her doctorate of philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin in educational administration in 2015, a Masters of Social Work from Boston University in 2006, and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Jackson State University in 2004.

Leadership and community engagement are critical components of what helps her to thrive. She has participated in the Senior Leadership Academy sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges and is a member of the 2018 Class of LEAD Atlanta. She co-authored a chapter titled, “The Philosophy of Student Conduct and the Student Conduct Professional” in the Student Conduct Practice book published in 2020. She was selected to write an article for the Times Union Women at Work Series in June of 2020. She is an active member of the Albany New York alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a member of the Greater Albany Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, where she serves as program director. She is a member of the Capital Region Community Foundation Board of Directors, The Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York Board of Directors, as well as the Board of Trustees for the Albany Academies. Additionally, she was recently named as one of the 40 under 40 by the Albany Business Review for 2021.

Brown-McClure is a sought-out speaker and facilitator. She frequently speaks on topics related to leadership, student success, fraternity and sorority life, parent engagement, and emotional intelligence. She has presented nationally on being a black millennial VPSA, motherhood and management, black girl magic, cross generational working relationships, and the importance of cross-racial friendships among others. Given the current national climate, she has been speaking on the power of allyship and the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion, work in higher education.

Brown-McClure says the most important role that she holds is that of mom. She is the mother to her 12-year-old daughter, McKenzie.