Thursday, February 25, 2016

Vice chancellor honored by YBM Leadership Alliance


By Leanna Pough

YBM Leadership Alliance recently honored UNC Charlotte Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Arthur Jackson as “Leader of the Day.”

YBM Leadership Alliance is a nonprofit organization focused on leadership development for young black men. It works to create a new reality where young black men are sought out as leaders. This is accomplished by promoting positive images regarding young black men, developing their leadership capabilities and imparting a goal for academic excellence. YBM Leadership Alliance members give back to their communities by mentoring younger students, performing local and international community service, and public speaking.

Jackson, in a video on the YBM website, noted he is among the second group of African American students to integrate higher education systems following the 1954 ruling of Brown v. Board of Education ending legal segregation in public schools.

He credits his accomplishments to knowledge and persistence. 

“One of my professors told me the only thing they can’t take from you is your knowledge. That’s the first tool you need,” said Jackson.

“My mother always told me that you’re going to have to be better to be the same. I found that to be true. I’ve always worked harder than anybody else just to make sure I can make that pathway for myself,” he continued.

Jackson said it is important that he and others “pay it forward.” He urges leaders to pass their knowledge on to future generations.

In 2007, Jackson was appointed UNC Charlotte’s vice chancellor for student affairs. He also serves as an adjunct associate professor of education.

Before joining UNC Charlotte, Jackson served as vice president for student affairs at Westfield State University in Massachusetts.

His career includes nearly 20 years of experience at research extensive universities, including 13 years as the financial aid director at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.


In addition to his service at UNC Charlotte, Jackson is the North Carolina state director for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. He was awarded the Distinguished Accomplishment Award and Pillar of the Profession by this organization and is a member of Rotary Club International, the Golden Key Honor Society and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

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Leanna Pough is communications coordinator in the Office of Public Relations.

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