BHSU President Receives Student Affairs Legacy Award

Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., BHSU president, received an inaugural Student Affairs Legacy Award from the University of Louisville for his support of student success. L to R: Michael Mardis, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Louisville Jackson Aaron Vance, University of Louisville Student Government Association president.

Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., Black Hills State University President, received an inaugural Student Affairs Legacy Award recently from the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

Jackson served as vice president of student affairs at the University of Louisville from 2007-2014. During the Division of Student Affairs 40th Anniversary celebration in October, Jackson and other former vice presidents were honored for their contributions leading to four decades of progress to support students.

While at the University of Louisville, Jackson helped develop a partnership with Cardinal Towne, an off-campus community designed for college living which changed the University from a commuter to a residential campus. Jackson helped stabilize and expand the International Service Learning Program. He was also instrumental in the development of the Student Recreation Center.

Jackson and the past vice presidents were honored during an awards ceremony noted as the "highlight of the [homecoming] weekend." At the ceremony each awardee answered various questions from the audience and discussed their success, the impact of student affairs on student success, and the future of student affairs in higher education.

Criteria for the award included three or more of the following:
  • Ardent advocate for the welfare of University of Louisville students
  • Excellence in efforts to support student affairs professionals
  • Innovative approach to changing environment
  • Sustained pattern of dedication to the University of Louisville community
Dr. Lois Flagstad, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs at BHSU, said Jackson continues to be a champion for students as BHSU president.

"A first generation student himself, Jackson is an inspiration to many students who are the first in their families to graduate from a higher educational institution," said Flagstad.

In his two years as president, Jackson has instituted new scholarship programs to provide funding for local students including the Northern Hills Scholarship, Early Jacket Scholarship, and the President's Medallion Scholarship which was created with generous donations generated from Jackson's inauguration.

Jackson has also worked to provide support to the growing Honors Program at BHSU. He enhanced opportunities for military education including a reduced tuition pilot program in Rapid City that has now been expanded throughout the state.

Through Jackson's leadership, BHSU now has a record number of international partnerships, and students and faculty have participated in global service learning in the Philippines and Botswana.

"Jackson has focused the vision of BHSU by inspiring faculty, staff and students to dream big." said Flagstad.