A variety of events are planned in Vicksburg, Natchez, Utica and at Alcorn State University next week to celebrate the inauguration of Dr. George E. Ross as the 17th president of the Lorman university.

Ross, 56, has been serving in the role of president since January, but will officially be sworn in at a ceremony on the campus Friday. A parade and reception in Ross’ hometown will kick off next week’s festivities in Utica on Tuesday. A gospel concert and reception will take place in Natchez Wednesday evening, and a scholarship gala will take place in Vicksburg Friday evening.

Ross’ credentials include more than 30 years experience in higher education. He came to Alcorn from Central Michigan University, where he was chief financial officer. He has also served in administrative roles at Clark Atlanta University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Tuskegee University.

The ASU College Board voted unanimously in April 2007 to have Ross replace Interim President Malvin Williams, who was called out of retirement to lead the university in August 2006 when then-president Clinton Bristow Jr. died of an apparent heart attack.

Ross was initially set to take over as head of the university in September 2007, but was forced to return to Michigan three months prior to his start date for medical treatment after being diagnosed with leukemia. He announced in July 2007 that his cancer was in remission.

In May, Ross met with some ASU alumni in Vicksburg and said the university will expand in the city. Courses are currently available on a limited basis outside the campus in Vicksburg and Natchez.

Ross has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University and a doctorate degree in higher education from the University of Alabama. He completed post doctoral studies at Harvard University.

Alcorn State University was founded in 1871 as the first institution in the country established for the higher education of the black population.

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Contact Steve Sanoski at ssanoski@vicksburgpost.com.

If you go

A weeklong celebration of the inauguration of Dr. George E. Ross as the 17th president of Alcorn State University will kick off Tuesday with a parade and conclude with his official inauguration Friday. A rundown of events:

Tuesday — George E. Ross Day and inaugural parade in Utica at 1:30 p.m., followed by a reception at the Utica Arts & Science Center.

Wednesday — Inaugural Ecumenical Service at Alcorn State University Chapel from noon to 1 p.m., featuring the ASU Interfaith Choir. A reception will follow on campus at the Dr. Clinton Bristow Dining Facility from 1:30 to 3 p.m.  An evening reception will be at 5:30 at the Adams County Court House, 314 State St., in Natchez. A gospel concert will follow at the Natchez City Auditorium, 207 Jefferson St., from 7 to 9:30 p.m., featuring Lynda Randle, the Greater Faith Worship Center Choir of Fayette, the ASU Gospel Choir and ASU first lady Elizabeth Ross. Tickets for the concert are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and are available at Alcorn’s business office. More information is online at www.alcorn.edu.

Thursday — Various events will take place at Alcorn State University, including the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge from 12:30 to 2 p.m., campus tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a Greek step show from 7 to 9 p.m.

Friday — The public inaugural ceremony at Alcorn State University will begin with a procession at 2 p.m. at the Davey L. Whitney Complex. A reception will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. A presidential inaugural scholarship gala will take place at the Vicksburg Convention Center beginning with a 7:30 p.m. dinner and entertainment by Russell Thomas & Band. Formal attire is required. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Alcorn’s business office. More information.