Dr. Jackson is the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Affairs and Associate Professor of Accountancy and PwC Faculty Fellow at the University Of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. “I am, first and foremost, a saved and rescued sinner. I see myself as a Joseph type person where God has work miracles to place me where I am. I am grateful for the blessings I have been given and think it is very important for me to be a good steward of those blessings.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What inspired you or lead you to your profession? | I just had a conversation with some parents of freshmen students starting in the fall, and had this question asked of me. I had a calling to be in the circle of influence of young people in their formative years. I worked in public accounting and my two best days where when I was recruiting on campus or teaching staff education training. This spoke to where my interests were and aligned where my heart lies. I am in the right place, being able to teach these young adults in an area of academia, where I am blessed. |
| How long have you lived in Champaign-Urbana? | I have lived in Champaign-Urbana for the past 15 years. |
| What is your favorite restaurant here in Champaign-Urbana? | The first one is easy, it is our anniversary stop. Amiga, my wife and I go there on our anniversary. More frequently we go to Meatheads as a family and I get the southern style chicken sandwich. |
| Who is the most interesting person you have met in Champaign-Urbana? | There are a lot of people! Ben Yeager, not because he has a wild story, but because of his commitment to his ministry in a way that is very admirable. My family has been blessed in many ways including financially and I feel self conscience about that. I do not want someone to feel like they have to compare themselves to me and I never have had that feeling with Ben. He loves God and knows what God has planned for me, he is in it to win it! |
| If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why? | My family is going to Orlando. I look forward to that because as a parent you do things with your family. But what often happens is you enjoy your family enjoying the trip more than you enjoy the trip. We are going to Universal Studio, and being a movie guy, I am excited. |
| When you speak to a group of people what message do you like to give? | Always be mindful of who is important. In our current culture, there is a risk that people overweigh what others think about them. We shouldn’t allow other’s opinions, who really do not matter, affect the relationship on those who do matter. That is something I work on myself. In academia, how you are viewed often comes from your reputation. It is easy to be high when you have a reputation stroke and low when you get a reputation hit. But at the end of the day, the people who do matter will tell you “I love you” and that will be enough. |
| What is on your bucket list? | Cooking school. I told my wife, when I retire, I want to go to cooking school. I like every aspect of cooking from baking pastries to main courses. |
| What current or former Champaign-Urbana business makes you nostalgic? | Jarlings Custard Cup, hands down! |
| What is your favorite unique aspect of Champaign-Urbana? | I come from a interracial marriage, having biracial children. Honestly, my wife and I were concerned about what Champaign-Urbana held for our family. I have been very much blessed with the opportunity to befriend and know children from other interracial marriages. At least in our circle, we have found friendships across many different races. |
| Where will you be in 10 years? | I do not think too deeply about that, but in 10 years, Cooking School! |
| What is something interesting that someone doesn’t know about you? | I am an introvert. I feel like God has blessed me with the energy to speak in public, but at the end of the day, I am an introvert. |
| What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME? | Liberating. (since the kids have gotten older) Comfortable. Predictable (in a positive way) |
| If you could have a full time staff member paid for, who would you choose? Chef house keeper, driver, coach, trainer or nanny? | That’s tough, but I would say Trainer. |
