The Hon. Joseph N. Studdard is a chancellor for the 14th Chancery Court District of Mississippi. He was elected to the bench in 2018, filling a vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Jim Davidson.
The 14th Chancery District encompasses Chickasaw, Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Webster Counties.
Studdard earned a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University. He then completed a J.D. at the University of Mississippi School of Law.
After graduating from law school, Studdard entered into private practice in Lowndes County. He worked in that capacity until his election to the bench.
His memberships have included the Columbus Kiwanis Club and the New Hope Exchange Club. He has also been involved with the Boards of Directors of Columbus Christian Academy, the American Red Cross (Lowndes County), and the Frank P. Phillips YMCA.
Born in Gadsden, Alabama, Studdard was raised in Columbus, Mississippi, where he graduated from New Hope High School. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two children. They attend Beersheba Cumberland Presbyterian Church.