Mr. Edward O. Watson, J.D., serves as the General Counsel for Jackson State University and is a member of the University’s Executive Cabinet. He manages the efficient operation of the Division of General Counsel and serves as the University’s lead in‐house attorney. Attorney Watson provides representation and legal consultation to the University in all campus legal matters, with the primary objective of aiding the institution in reasonable avoidance and/or mitigation of legal risk. In 2019, Mississippi Business Journal named Attorney Watson as one of the top 40 attorneys in the state as part of its 2018 Leaders in the Law awards. Attorney Watson, who served as Associate General Counsel for the University from 2014‐17.

He is licensed to practice law in all federal and state courts in the State of Mississippi. Prior to joining Jackson State University’s Division of General Counsel his legal practice included, but was not limited to litigation and consultation in the areas of municipal law, employment law including, Title VII matters, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, business formation, contracts, commercial, governmental, and general tort liability defense. He has assisted public and private entities by providing advice regarding performance evaluation appraisal systems, development of employment policies and practices, employee handbooks and employment liability. He has been selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Top Attorneys in Mississippi for the past three consecutive years.