Former Gov. William Winter (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
University of Mississippi Chancellor Dan Jones (Photo/Thomas Graning)
JACKSON — Former Gov. William Winter told The Daily Mississippian on Thursday he is “optimistic” about the ongoing negotiations between the state College Board and University of Mississippi Chancellor Dan Jones.
Winter said he hopes for an outcome that will “not do damage to the university and to the state of Mississippi.”
“As a citizen of the state and graduate of Ole Miss, I have been interested in having some discussions with people whose opinions I respect, including members of the board,” Winter explained. “I have indicated to them that my strong desire is that they work out a satisfactory result without the drastic effects that would follow the decision that has already been announced.”
Several media outlets reported Thursday evening that the board was prepared to offer Jones a two-year contract extension.
But The Clarion-Ledger reported Jones has rejected the offer because he would have been required to resign in two years as well as make a public apology to trustees.
Jones has reportedly counter-offered that he would accept the two-year offer and agree to a full review of his work by the board, according to The Clarion-Ledger. If the board was still dissatisfied with his leadership at that point, he would willingly resign.
The Daily Mississippian attempted to reach the chancellor by phone Thursday evening but was unsuccessful.
Winter has had conversations with representatives from both sides of the disagreement. He said despite their differences, both parties “want to see this matter resolved in a satisfactory way.”
“I have great respect for Dr. Jones and the work he’s done, and I hope he will continue to be doing that good work,” Winter said. “It’s in the best interest of not just Ole Miss but the whole state of Mississippi.”
