Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders has appointed Iverson Jackson, a distinguished leader, pastor, and retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, to the Southern Arkansas University Board of Trustees.
Jackson, a 1985 graduate of SAU, has been an active supporter of the University, having served on the SAU Foundation Board from 2018 to 2023. His broad range of leadership experiences and deep commitment to public service will bring valuable perspectives to the SAU Board.
In addition to his work with SAU, Jackson was named executive director of the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission by Governor Sanders in 2023. The Fair Housing Commission is a state agency that works alongside the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to enforce fair housing rules and regulations. Jackson’s extensive experience in leadership and public service makes him a natural fit for this role.
“SAU has been knit in my heart since I was a freshman at SAU in 1980, and now to have the honor and responsibility to serve on the Board of Trustees is beyond anything that young 18-year-old could have dreamed,” shared Jackson. “I want to work to ensure that SAU continues to grow stronger every year to be here for the future Muleriders like it was here for my generation of Muleriders.”
Jackson has a long history of public service. He currently serves as the pastor of Zoe Bible Church in Little Rock, where he leads a thriving congregation. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army Reserves through the Army ROTC program at SAU in December 1983 and served 25 years in the United States Army Reserves retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel in December 2008.
In 2021, Jackson received the prestigious Frederick Douglass Award, presented by the African American Coalition of Arkansas at the Douglass-Lincoln Dinner held at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion. He is also the recipient of the Arkansas MLK Commission 2022 Community Service Award.
In addition to his role with the Arkansas Fair Housing Commission, he served two terms on the SAU Foundation Board. Pastor Jackson is committed to serving his community far and near. He is a National Vice-president of Ministers Taking a S.T.A.N.D (Staying True to America’s National Destiny), and now serves on the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Family Council of Arkansas Board and locally in his community on several other boards and committees. Additionally, he hosts the radio show “The Life of God,” which airs weekdays in central Arkansas on KJBN-AM.
Jackson holds both an undergraduate degree from SAU and a master’s degree in public administration from Webster University, graduating with honors and induction into the Delta Mu International Honor Society in Business Administration. His extensive experience in leadership, public service, and his passion for supporting education make him a perfect fit for the SAU Board of Trustees.
Dr. Bruno Hicks, SAU president, shared his enthusiasm about Jackson’s appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Iverson Jackson to the SAU Board of Trustees. Iverson is a proven leader with a passion for public service and education, and I look forward to working alongside him. I am confident that his experience and dedication will bring great things ahead for SAU, and I’m excited to see how we will continue to grow and support our students together.”
Jackson and Mary, his wife of over 34 years, have three adult daughters, one granddaughter and make their home in Little Rock, AR.
SAU, located in Magnolia, Arkansas, provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
