David Jackson Jr., bleeds orange and green. A graduate of Florida A&M University, Jackson has been an esteemed member of the faculty for more than two decades, moving up from history professor to associate provost for Graduate Education and dean of Graduate Studies.
Which is why it caught many by surprise last week when FAMU announced that Jackson has been named provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina Central University in Durham.
Jackson said he is grateful for his time served at FAMU and is setting an example for students who want to use FAMU as a tool for their success in the career of their choosing.
Leaving FAMU was not easy for Jackson, but he said he understands that the university prepares students to have the tenacity to move on when opportunities come along to further or start their career.
“It’s hard to leave, but I’ve been trained and prepared to do different things, I think people are happy to see that I can achieve my dreams, goals, and aspirations to move onto the next level,” Jackson told The Famuan.
Jackson joined FAMU the same year as nuclear physicist Larry Robinson, who now serves as FAMU’s 12th president.
“Dr. David Jackson has been a highly effective faculty member and administrator at FAMU and will be just as effective in his new role at North Carolina Central University as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs,” Robinson said in a release. “We know that he will encourage NCCU academic administrators, faculty, staff and students to continue to excel just as he did here at FAMU. We wish him well.”
Jackson began his career in 1997 as an assistant professor of history at FAMU. He began taking on more roles and was named chairman of the Department of History, Political Science and Public Administration.
He encourages students to take advantage of all the networking opportunities the university has for them, so they can develop relationships that will be invaluable in their careers.
Jackson has earned many awards and distinctions, including Rattler Pride Award for Community Leadership, Advanced Teacher of the Year Award, Teacher of the Year twice, and the FAMU Research Excellence Award.
“I wanted to be able to teach Black history, write books and travel, speaking about Black history. FAMU allowed me to fulfill that aspect of my dream. Students never know what great things may happen for them while they’re in school,” Jackson said.
Jackson’s move to NCCU stemmed from him wanting to work at another HBCU. He also wanted to be able to make another contribution to student life and development.
Jackson pays great homage to the faculty and students at FAMU and is grateful for the many things he has learned over his time as a member of the Rattler family. He is excited for this new journey that FAMU has prepared him for and he is prepared to share that with North Carolina Central University.
“The joy of my life at FAMU has been working with the students. Shaping and molding them for a new part of life. They can become what they want to in life if they prepare themselves and work hard. I will certainly miss my colleagues, but the students are special to me. They keep me intellectually stimulated and committed to the mission of FAMU,” Jackson said.
He is scheduled to start at NCCU on July 1.