FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 19, 2011

MUW hires local CPA to be interim vice president for institutional advancement

By Jill D. O’Bryant

COLUMBUS, Miss. -- J.H. “Ken” Kennedy Jr., a semi-retired CPA with T.E. Lott & Company, CPAs of Columbus, has been named Mississippi University for Women’s interim vice president for institutional advancement and interim president of the MUW Foundation. His appointment was approved by the IHL Board at its monthly meeting.

He replaces Dr. Gary Bouse who has taken a position at Delta State University.

Kennedy, who received his bachelor of science degree from Mississippi State University, is the past president and chief operating officer and board member of T.E. Lott & Company.

Other experience includes serving as the CPA board member on the Mississippi Hospital Equipment and Facilities Authority, having been appointed by then-governor Ray Mabus. He also is a past board member of American Institute of CPAs Governing Council and a past president of Mississippi Society of CPAs, an organization that awarded him the MSCPA Public Service Award.

“Mr. Kennedy is well-equipped to assist with both development and the Foundation because of his CPA experience and his past experience of serving on the MUW Foundation Board of Directors,” said Allegra Brigham, interim president. “We are very excited about his joining our team and the stability and experience he will provide.”

Brigham noted that during this interim period, Andrea Stevens, class of 1992, will continue to serve as executive director of development and supervise the development function of the office.

In addition to being a past director emeritus of the MUW Foundation Board, Kennedy’s other volunteer efforts include serving as a past president and board member of the Columbus-Lowndes Development Foundation, Frank P. Phillips Memorial YMCA, United Way of Lowndes County, Trinity Place Retirement Community and Columbus Kiwanis Club.

“It is indeed an honor to serve Mississippi University for Women during this challenging and opportunistic time as the faculty, staff and students move this excellent university forward,” Kennedy said.

He and his wife Nancy Smith Kennedy, a 1956 MUW graduate, are active members of First United Methodist Church and have a daughter and son-in-law and one grandson.