JSU Athletics Director Ashley Robinson Accepts Texas Southern Position

Special to The Bolton News

(Photo from JSU Athletics)

Jackson State University Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson is leaving JSU to take on a new leadership role at Texas Southern University.

Robinson has accepted the position of vice president and director of athletics at Texas Southern University, ending a tenure at Jackson State marked by conference championships, academic accomplishments and increased national attention for the university’s athletic programs.

Jackson State congratulated Robinson on the move and recognized his contributions to the university.

“Under Ashley’s leadership, Jackson State Athletics achieved competitive and academic success and gained national visibility,” JSU President Denise Jones Gregory said. “From multiple conference championships to the 2025–26 Dr. James Frank Commissioner’s Cup, the results speak for themselves. As Mississippi’s most decorated athletics director, he has built on tradition and blazed new trails.”

Gregory also thanked Robinson for his work on behalf of Jackson State’s student-athletes.

“We are grateful for his service, his leadership and the opportunities he has helped create for our student-athletes,” Gregory said. “We wish Ashley and his family continued success in this next chapter.”

Robinson’s tenure included numerous achievements across Jackson State’s athletic programs, culminating with the university earning the 2025–26 Dr. James Frank Commissioner’s Cup. The award recognizes overall athletic excellence within the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

As Jackson State begins its search for new athletics leadership, Gregory has selected Associate Vice President and Senior Woman Administrator Alyse Wells-Kilbert to serve as interim vice president and director of athletics.

Wells-Kilbert’s appointment is pending approval by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.