Ellington

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Otha Burton Jr., chairman of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Jackson State University, has been named executive director of JSU's new Institute of Government.

The institute, which will be located in downtown Jackson, will provide leadership development, research, education, consulting and training to help improve the performance of government and other public service organizations.

Since 2006, Burton has served as associate professor and associate dean in JSU's School of Policy and Planning and chairman of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning.

Burton also worked in finance and administrative positions for the city of Jackson from 1978 to 2005.

Burton received his bachelor's and master's degrees from JSU. He received a doctorate in public administration from Mississippi State University.