Cleveland “Tony” Jackson has played many roles through the years, including his childhood dream of coaching football. When he decided to continue his education and earn a master’s in management and leadership, he found himself inspired by those around him who managed to seek a degree while also balancing a career. He was impressed with their drive to improve themselves through education and uncovered a strong passion for helping others achieve their educational dreams.

“I want to help other people receive an education because I understand the value of it,” Jackson said. “I’m a proud ambassador and advocate for people investing in themselves through knowledge.”

For Jackson, what makes his profession joyous is working with students to help them realize their academic potential and seeing them go on to pursue their dreams. Before finding this passion, Jackson worked as a regional manager for several years at the Sprint PCS Center.

With over a decade of experience in higher education, he began his career in academia as an educational recruiter for ITT Technical Institute before joining the staff at South Carolina’s Strayer University-Columbia Campus. He continued his climb, transferring to Strayer’s Morrow Campus in Georgia as campus director. Finally, he served for several years at the University of South Carolina- Salkehatchie as the executive director of enrollment management service. While there, he was also the institution’s representative on the board of directors of the Colleton County Chamber of Commerce.

“Xavier is honored to welcome AVP Jackson to our campus community, and we look forward to his leadership as he continues to bring talented students to Xavier,” said Dr. Anne McCall, Provost of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Xavier is dedicated to helping our students achieve their dreams, and AVP Jackson’s efforts will bring another generation one step closer to realizing their potential through a Xavier education.”

Jackson fell in love with New Orleans as he was seeking the position at Xavier, the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution.

“Before I arrived [for my final interview], I already knew of Xavier’s reputation,” Jackson said. “Who wouldn’t want an opportunity to work at such a prestigious university? I hope that I will meet the expectations of the Xavier family.”

His genuine love for helping people achieve their dreams through education is happily embraced at Xavier. Jackson said he is ready to do his part to help spread the Xavier mission of creating a more just and humane society not just across Louisiana but the entire country.

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About Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana, America’s only historically Black and Catholic University, is ranked among the top three HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences, Xavier produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country.

Established in 1925, by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament as a place for African Americans and Native Americans to receive a quality education, Xavier has since expanded its programs in art, business, education, biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy, and political science. More recent additions in robotics, bioinformatics, engineering, data science, neuroscience, and genetics, in addition to new STEM-based master’s programs, have provided Xavier students (2815 undergraduates and 787 graduates) an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities, and life experiences. Xavier students collaborate with world-renowned faculty, who are experts in their fields, to produce award-winning research and notable work. The winning Xavier formula is to provide students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, thereby facilitating a more just and humane society for all. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit us online at www.xula.edu or contact Regi Reyes at (504) 520-5240 or rreyes@xula.edu.