Jackson State University

Lurlene Irvin serves as the Director of the Center for Business Development & Economic Research at Jackson State University. The Center coordinates the research and service activities of the College of Business, as well as supports entrepreneurial efforts of students, faculty, staff, and the regional business community. The Center places almost $5 million in business loans, and helps to create or retain almost 600 jobs annually.

Prior to her service at Jackson State, Dr. Irvin was Section Manager of Community Relations and Diversity Strategies for Nissan-North America. Her other work experience includes investment banking, government service, and small business consulting.

Dr. Irvin has received numerous awards for her work and community service. Among them, the Mississippi Business Journal named Dr. Irvin one of the Ten Leading Business Women in 2010. In addition, she received the Mississippi Minority Business Alliance Chairman’s Award in 2011. She serves on the Jackson State University Women’s Council for Philanthropy, as well as serving in the Academy for Research and Scholarly Engagement at Jackson State University.

Dr. Irvin is a graduate of the University of Mississippi College of Business, and received her Master of Business Administration from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi. She received a doctorate in business economics from Jackson State University. Dr. Irvin is married to Attorney Herbert J. Irvin. They have one daughter who is a student at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.