ITTA BENA, Miss. — Mississippi Valley State University has named alumna Dr. Jocelyn Haley director of Library Services, bringing an experienced higher education professional and library leader to the helm of the James H. White Library.
In her new role, Haley will provide leadership for the university’s library operations, resources, technology, programming and assessment while advancing initiatives designed to strengthen student success and academic excellence.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve Mississippi Valley State University as director of Library Services,” Haley said. “As a proud alumna, Valley has played a significant role in shaping who I am personally and professionally, which makes this appointment especially meaningful. I look forward to working collaboratively with our students, faculty and staff to continue transforming the James H. White Library into a dynamic space for learning, research, innovation and engagement. My goal is to ensure that our library remains responsive to the evolving needs of our campus community while providing the resources, technology and support necessary for our students to thrive.”
Haley has devoted her career to education, student achievement and strengthening the role of academic libraries in higher education. Her work has focused on increasing access to academic resources, expanding student-centered programming, enhancing library technology and building collaborative partnerships across campus.
Her leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, accountability, innovation and professional development while creating environments where students and employees can thrive.
A two-time graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, Haley earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication from MVSU in 2012 and a Master of Arts in rural public policy and planning in 2015.
She continued her education at the University of Southern Mississippi, earning a Master of Library and Information Science in 2018 and a Doctor of Education in higher education administration and leadership in 2025.
Her combination of library science expertise, higher education leadership training and connection to Mississippi Valley State positions her to help advance the James H. White Library as a vital center for teaching, learning, research and student engagement.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Haley has remained active in university and student leadership. She has served as graduate adviser to the Epsilon Pi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and has contributed to university committees and student-centered initiatives.
A native of Sunflower, Mississippi, Haley is active in her community and is a member of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves through the choir, youth ministry and church programming.
Haley is married to Dr. Fortune Ojeah, PharmD, and they are the parents of a son, Paxton Ojeah. She is the daughter of the late Paul and Linda Haley.
As director of Library Services, Haley will focus on strengthening the James H. White Library’s role as an academic hub for the MVSU community while expanding resources, technology, programming and partnerships that support the university’s educational mission.