Meet Donald Jackson | Athletic Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Donald Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Donald, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe the most important factor behind my success is quite simple… just being able to trust my judgment and skills that were developed overtime.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe that my genuine love for mentoring and helping young student-athletes achieve their full potential towards breaking barriers as well as collegiate success is what definitely sets me apart from others in my profession. I got to where I’m at today because of the previous Athletic Director that served my school (Christian Armenteros). He took a chance on me to come in and take over a football program that was in need of a leader, then only 1 short year later turns the reigns of Athletic Director over to me. I overcame the challenges of the fast pace environment of being an Athletic Director by simply slowing down and applying the time management skills that I learned from being a collegiate student-athlete. I would love for the world to know that dreams actually do come true. For a person as myself to be the product of public housing (Housing Urban Developmen) and defy the stacked odds, sometimes all it really takes is for family, friends, and maybe that one teacher to believe in you and ignite a figurative fire that illuminates your potential.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in the city would definitely be Wynwood. I definitely would invite and take my friends there because of the vibe and food trucks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people that has played a pivotal role in my life in which helped with my matriculation to this point in my life, which I currently stand. I’d like to shoutout my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Cedric Pratt. With his encouragement, I not only excelled in the subject I disliked, I became an honor student throughout the remainder of my schooling career. Next, my mother is another big influence on my life,she not only pushed me to be great, but also gave me room to fail and grow from my mistakes. Lastly, I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my loving wife (Maya Holton-Jackson), she not only supports my endeavors, but encourages me to always dream big and never let my light dim.

Instagram: I_am_Legend_31

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacksondonald

Image Credits
Maya Holton-Jackson