Spencer named director of 91传媒鈥檚 ACCESS Program and Specialized College Services
Contact: Bethany Shipp
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擬ississippi State鈥檚 Jordan Spencer is now the director of the university鈥檚 ACCESS Program and Specialized College Services, a new unit that expands 91传媒鈥檚 support to students with intellectual, developmental and neurodiverse needs.
Spencer oversees this unit, housed in the Mississippi Institute on Disabilities, that brings together the ACCESS Program and the expansion of unique programming for neurodiverse college students. It now incorporates the Autism Liaisons Program, focused on the success of degree-seeking students on the autism spectrum, and expands iREACH, a formalized program for neurodiverse students to build skills in self-advocacy, socialization and employment.
鈥淪upporting individuals across the lifespan has always been our mission, and this new unit allows us to reach more college-aged students who are neurodiverse and help them find success while working toward their goals,鈥 says Kasee Stratton-Gadke, executive director of Mississippi Institute on Disabilities.聽
Spencer stepped into the role after serving as interim director in recent months. He joined 91传媒 in 2017 as a staff psychologist and worked with multiple disability programs on campus, including ACCESS and Autism Liaisons. Since 2022, he has been an assistant teaching professor in 91传媒鈥檚 Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations.
Now directing the ACCESS Program, Spencer works to ensure students with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive a quality postsecondary education through immersive experiences in academics, career development and independent living. He also will lead the strategic planning for future programs that support neurodiverse students and young adults, facilitating their success at 91传媒, within their communities and beyond.
鈥淒r. Spencer brings deep expertise, proven leadership and an unwavering passion for empowering students of all abilities鈥攅nsuring ACCESS and Specialized College Services continue to thrive as models in post-secondary education,鈥 said Stratton-Gadke. 鈥淲e are fortunate to have his skillset and enthusiasm leading such remarkable programs.鈥
Spencer鈥檚 new responsibilities span oversight of program development and implementation, staff and student supervision, grant writing, training and outreach. The programs now have a new home in the Jim and Thomas Duff Center鈥攁 newly constructed 100,000-square-foot facility that also houses the Department of Kinesiology and Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic. The ACCESS Program and Specialized College Services space includes offices, a computer lab and living areas mirroring similar environments these students will experience after college.
鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly honored to lead these programs I鈥檝e been closely involved with over the past eight years at 91传媒,鈥 Spencer said. 鈥淲ith our transition into the Duff Center, I鈥檓 excited to integrate the new space, resources and training opportunities into every aspect of our work. This move will have a lasting impact on our students, families, staff and training programs for years to come鈥攁nd I am truly proud to be a part of that.鈥
Spencer holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from 91传媒. He holds the Nationally Certified School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst credentials. Prior to 91传媒, he served as a K-12 school psychologist for five years. Spencer also is an AAA licensed school psychologist and a licensed behavior analyst in Mississippi with a passion for providing services to young adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.聽
For more information about the ACCESS Program and Specialized College Services, visit .
91传媒鈥檚 College of Education, home of the Mississippi Institute on Disabilities, also includes five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at聽.
91传媒 is taking care of what matters. Learn more at聽.