BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

 Dr. Ishmell H. Edwards’s outstanding career as a leader in higher education is based not only on his administrative abilities, problem solving, and organizational skills, but also on his strong support of Historically Black Institutions and his work with the youth in his community.  Having spent the bulk of his 37 year professional career serving in various positions with Rust College, he has demonstrated a commitment to insuring the well-being and advancing the positions of both his Alma Mater and his community.               

Dr. Edwards has been a coach, Director of the NCAA’s National Youth Sports Program, Athletic Director, Director of Student Activities, Associate Dean of Students, Dean of Students and Director of Development.  He now serves as Vice President of Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi.  His tenure with the college has resulted in significant improvements in the areas of Physical plant, Athletics, Student Affairs, Public Relations and Fund Raising.

 

As the Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Dr. Edwards directs, coordinates, and plans activities for Institutional Advancement, Fund Raising, Grants and Contracts, Alumni Affairs, Public Relations, Institutional Research and Planning, and the Intercollegiate Athletic Programs of Rust College.  He assists in formulating and administering college policies and developing long-range goals and objectives. He further represents the President and the College in the absence of the President, and serves on the Executive Council of the College.

 

Dr. Edwards serves on a number of boards, committees, and organizations.  To name a few:  The Marshall County Red Cross; The Marshall County Competitive Community Program; Northwest Mississippi High School Activities Association; Board of Trustees/Asbury United Methodist Church; National Association of Student Personnel Administrators; NAACP; National Society of Fund Raising Executives; and the NCAA minority Opportunities and Interest Committee.

 

Dr. Edwards has been named the Who’s Who Among African American Males in the Southeastern Region of the United States, 1992 Omega Man of the Year, Psi Rho Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and received the 1994 Phi Delta Kappa, Utica Chapter Research Award.  He is a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Phi Delta Kappa Education Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Sigma Pi Phi Boule.

 

Dr. Edwards has the B.A. Degree in Social Science from Rust College, M.Ed. and the Ph.D. Degrees in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Mississippi.  He has published and presented several papers including “Drugs in Athletics”, and “The History of Rust College 1866-1967”.  His professional expertise, experiences, and personal attributes have resulted in his having a proven track record of getting the job done.