Contact: Maridith Geuder
Jimmy W. Abraham, John R. Dickerson, and Bill Broyles
A veteran Mississippi State administrator is among three in the university's student affairs division assuming new duties Aug. 1.
Jimmy W. Abraham will become assistant vice president, moving from his position as director of enrollment services. A student affairs employee since 1977, he has had major responsibility for coordinating and implementing recruiting goals of the state's largest university since 1985.
Pending formal approval by the state Board of Trustees, Institutions of Higher Learning, Abraham fills the position being vacated by Gene Tice, who is leaving to becoming student affairs and administration vice president at Western Kentucky University.
In making the announcement, student affairs vice president Roy Ruby also said associate enrollment services director John R. Dickerson will move up to the director's position and that Bill Broyles will become assistant to the vice president while continuing as associate director of Longest Student Health Center.
Ruby had high praise for each of the three men.
"Jimmy Abraham has built the Mississippi State student recruiting and orientation programs into nationally recognized models," he said. "He has established a reputation for hard work and for his commitment to this institution, and he will bring extensive knowledge to his responsibilities."
Ruby said Abraham would continue to focus on the student enrollment areas, including the offices of admissions, enrollment services, financial aid, and international student services.
Abraham said Mississippi State "has tremendous momentum and opportunities ahead and I look forward to this new role and to helping the university achieve its goals in the student affairs area."
A Clarksdale native, Abraham received bachelor's and master's degrees from MSU in 1975 and 1977, respectively, and a doctorate from the University of Mississippi in 1985.
Of Dickerson, Ruby said: "John has established highly respected credentials in his capacity as liaison with community colleges. Under his leadership, the university's enrollment from two-year institutions has dramatically increased, and we look forward to his continued success in his expanded duties."
Dickerson holds a bachelor's degree from Mississippi College and a master's from MSU. Ruby said Broyles now would be responsible for division-wide fiscal affairs management.
"Bill is a certified public accountant who has extensive experience and knowledge of the division," Ruby said. "His skills will assure that we manage our resources effectively and efficiently."
Broyles completed both bachelor's and master's degrees at MSU.