It is with profound sadness that Rust College announces the passing of Dr. Ishmell Hendrex Edwards, esteemed alumnus and dedicated employee whose remarkable career in higher education spanned more than fifty years.

Dr. Edwards’ legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Rust College. His distinguished service included roles as coach, Director of the NCAA’s National Youth Sports Program, Athletic Director, Director of Student Activities, Associate Dean of Students, Dean of Students, Director of Development, and, prior to his retirement in 2021, Vice President for College Relations. His tenure was marked not only by exceptional administrative and organizational acumen, but also by his unwavering support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and his commitment to uplifting youth in the broader community.

Throughout his career, Dr. Edwards served on numerous boards and committees, including the Marshall County Red Cross, the Marshall County Competitive Community Program, the Northwest Mississippi High School Activities Association, the Board of Trustees and Pastor Parish Relations Committee of Asbury United Methodist Church, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, the NAACP, the National Society for Fund Raising Executives, the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interest Committee, the Holly Springs Rotary Club and the Holly Springs Main Street/Chamber Board of Directors.

Dr. Edwards was widely recognized for his leadership and service. His honors include being named to Who’s Who Among African American Males in the Southeastern United States, 1992 Omega Man of the Year (Psi Rho Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.), recipient of the 1993 Phi Delta Kappa Utica Chapter Research Award, and the 2016–2017 Rust College Administrator of the Year, as selected by the student body.

A proud graduate of B. F. Ford High School, Dr. Edwards earned his B.A. in Social Science from Rust College and both his M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Mississippi. He was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Sigma Pi Phi Boule.

The Rust College community mourns the loss of a visionary leader, mentor, and friend. We extend our deepest condolences to the Edwards family and to all who were touched by his extraordinary life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Rust College in memory of Dr. Ishmell H.

Edwards. The link is https://brnw.ch/21wTCZt