About MRC

Chief Research Officers

Greg Easson, Ph.D.

University of Mississippi
Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Sponsored Programs
Julie Jordan

Julie Jordan, Ph.D.

Mississippi State University
Vice President for Research and Economic Development

Julie Jordan is the interim vice president for research and economic development at Mississippi State University. As the chief research officer for Mississippi’s leading research university and land-grant institution, she oversees a growing and increasingly diverse research portfolio. A Carnegie Foundation R1-Very High Research Activity Doctoral University, Mississippi State’s research expenditures totaled nearly $241 million in FY 2017, accounting for more than half of the total in R&D expenditures reported by all Mississippi institutions. The university is a strong partner with the State of Mississippi in economic development, and has played a significant role in efforts to recruit leading companies to the state.

Dr. Jordan continues to serve as associate vice president for international programs and executive director of the MSU International Institute. She has worked with major funding agencies, university leaders, and the Office of Research and Economic Development to expand the university’s multi-faceted partnerships and collaborative relationships around the world.

Dr. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Education Technology from Mississippi State University. She earned a Ph.D. in International Development from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Kelly Lucas, Ph.D.

University of Southern Mississippi
Vice President of Research

ConSandra McNeil, Ph.D

Jackson State University
Interim Vice President of Research and Economic Development