Jasmeial “Jazz” Jackson, Ed.D.
Chief Student Success, Equity and Inclusion Officer
Dr. Jasmeial “Jazz” Jackson serves as the chief student success, equity and inclusion officer. In this role he reports to the provost and oversees the Center for Student Success. Jackson serves on the President’s Cabinet and is a direct advisor to President Merodie A. Hancock and all University leadership on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) related initiatives and is the voice for all students at the highest level of University decision making.
Prior to joining the University, Jackson served as the associate dean of First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, Retention and Special Programs at Southern New Hampshire University. Within this role, Jackson served as a collaborative partner with every institutional division, ensuring a holistic, equitable, intentional student experience that equips learners with the knowledge, skills and support they need to transition to college and successfully achieve their academic goals. He worked on strategic teams across the institution to coordinate collegewide retention initiatives.
Jackson has more than 15 years of experience in education and project management. He has been involved in faculty recruitment and training, curriculum development, student advising, student engagement, student retention and program accreditation. He has conducted extensive research to increase retention for underrepresented and nontraditional students. Jackson also remains active in academic and student support by contributing to presentations and publications.
He serves as an active member of the UPCEA (University Professional and Continuing Education Association) New England Regional Committee as the past chair and communication chair as well as a Program and Awards Committee member. With his continuing education involvement, Jackson provides a diverse perspective on supporting adult learners from a holistic perspective in an ever-changing higher education environment. He believes in continuously changing the status quo to support the needs of students.
Jackson continues to support the development and empowerment of people as the secretary/executive assistant for the New England State Leadership Team of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc., as a professor at Southern New Hampshire University and the University of Arizona Global Campus, as a mentor at Northeastern University and as a Big Brother of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manchester, N.H.
He has an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University. He earned an MBA from William Carey University and a B.S. in Construction Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi. Also, he is a certified professional coach.