NATCHEZ — Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr. was named the preferred candidate to take over as president at Alcorn State University.

The announcement was made this morning by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, who were tasked with finding the university’s next president in December.

“I’m deeply honored for the chance to return home to my alma mater,” Rankins said. “I am a proud Alcornite. I have a great appreciation for both its history and the wonderful things that are happening at Alcorn today.”

Rankins, a Greenville native, received a bachelor of science degree from Alcorn State University and a master’s of science and doctor of philosophy degrees from Mississippi State University.

Rankins served as acting president of Mississippi Valley State University in 2012 and also served as the associate commissioner for academic and student affairs for the Institutions of Higher Learning

Rankins and his wife, Juandalyn, have two children, Aftyn and Alfred.

Rankins will visit the Lorman and Natchez campuses of Alcorn Tuesday to meet with students, faculty and community members. The IHL board will make a final decision to name Rankins as president or continue the search following the Tuesday meeting.

Former Alcorn president M. Christopher Brown II resigned in December amid an investigation into the university’s spending practices.