Jackson State University Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson is departing the institution after eight years of leadership to become the next Director of Athletics at Texas Southern University, following approval by the Texas Southern Board of Regents.
Robinson’s tenure at Jackson State was marked by sustained athletic success and national visibility. During his leadership, the Tigers captured 32 conference championships, two national championships, and earned the 2025–26 Dr. James Frank Commissioner’s Cup. He also played a key role in recruiting several high-profile coaches, including NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Mo Williams, T.C. Taylor, and Trae Johnson.
In announcing Robinson’s departure, Jackson State President Denise Jones Gregory credited him with strengthening the university’s athletic program while building on its tradition of excellence.
Associate Vice President and Senior Woman Administrator Alyse Wells-Stewart has been selected to serve as interim Vice President and Director of Athletics, a decision that was approved by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. A veteran athletics administrator with nearly 30 years of collegiate experience, Wells-Stewart has served at Jackson State for the past eight years and will oversee day-to-day operations during the leadership transition.
A Jackson native, Robinson reflected on his time at the university by thanking student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and supporters who helped establish Jackson State Athletics as “Thee Standard.” He leaves Jackson State as one of the most successful athletics directors in program history and begins a new chapter leading Texas Southern Athletics.