KIRKSVILLE, MO -- A Truman State University graduate will dedicate a personal collection of mementos while he was working closely with a president of the United States.
Former Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson will be on the Truman State University campus Feb. 8-9 to dedicate a personal collection of artifacts and to share his experiences with the campus community.
Jackson, a University alumnus, served with the Bush Administration from 2004-2008 as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Prior to this appointment, he served as deputy secretary and chief operating officer of Housing and Urban Development from 2001-2004. Upon leaving HUD in 2008, Jackson became the director of Hampton University’s Center for Public Policy and Leadership, a position he held until 2012. Currently, Jackson resides in New York City and is the vice chairman of mortgage banking for JP Morgan.
After graduating from the University with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1968 and a master’s degree in education administration in 1969, Jackson continued his education at Washington University where he obtained his juris doctorate.
His time at Truman, then known as Northeast Missouri State College, had a significant impact on Jackson, who remembers fondly the education and guidance he received. In particular, Kenneth Gardner, track coach and athletic director, 1951-1988, was instrumental in mentoring Jackson, who would go on to serve the country during events such as the September 11, 2001 attacks on the nation and Hurricane Katrina. Jackson continued his relationship with Truman in later years, providing leadership to his alma mater by serving on the Board of Governors from 1994-2001.
To honor Jackson’s leadership, service and achievement, Pickler Memorial Library will permanently house a collection of items acquired during his years in HUD. Jackson and his wife Marcia will be in attendance for a dedication ceremony at 3 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Pickler Memorial Library Gallery. The community is invited to attend the ceremony.
The Secretary Alphonso Jackson Collection is currently on exhibition and is open to the public for viewing in the Library Gallery until Feb. 22.
-Truman State University contributed to story.
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