Prince A. Jackson Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prince A. Jackson Jr.
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Jackson pictured in The Tiger 1969, Savannah State yearbook
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| President of Savannah State College |
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| In office 1971–1978 |
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| Preceded by | Howard Jordan Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Wendell G. Rayburn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 17, 1925 Savannah, Georgia |
| Died | September 21, 2010 (aged 85) Savannah, Georgia |
| Residence | Savannah, Georgia |
| Alma mater | Georgia State College |
| Profession | Educator |
Prince Albert Jackson Jr. (born March 17, 1925 – died September 21, 2010) was an important leader in education. He was the president of Savannah State College from 1971 to 1978. During the 1970s, he helped create a plan to bring together two colleges in Savannah, Georgia. One was a historically Black college (HBCU) and the other was a college that used to be only for white students. This plan helped make sure both colleges offered different, useful programs.
Contents
About Prince A. Jackson Jr.
His Early Life and Schooling
Prince Albert Jackson Jr. was born in Savannah, Georgia, on March 17, 1925. His parents were Julia and Prince Albert Jackson. He was a very good student and graduated with honors from Beach-Cuyler High School. After high school, he joined the Naval Reserve.
Jackson went to Georgia State College and earned a degree in mathematics. He then went to New York University for his master's degree in mathematics. Later, he earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston College.
His Career as an Educator
Before becoming a college president, Jackson was a professor. He taught subjects like mathematics, philosophy, and history.
Leading Savannah State College
In 1971, Prince A. Jackson Jr. became the president of Savannah State College. He was the second person who had also graduated from the college to become its president.
During his time as president, many new things happened. He started the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program at the college. This program helped students train to become officers in the Navy. He also started WHCJ-FM, which is the college's own radio station.
Jackson worked hard to bring more professors with advanced degrees to the college. He also helped the college get re-accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This means the college met high standards for education. He also led many new building projects on campus.
Working for College Integration
In 1971, a federal lawsuit meant that colleges in Georgia needed to integrate their classes. This was important for Savannah State College (then Georgia State) and Armstrong State. These colleges had traditionally been separated by race. They also had some of the same study programs.
President Jackson helped lead Savannah State in finding a solution. His college took charge of all business classes and degrees for students at both colleges. Armstrong State College then took over all teaching classes and degrees. This plan helped make sure both colleges offered unique and valuable programs.
After being president, Jackson returned to teach mathematics at Savannah State. He taught there for more than 20 years. He retired from the university in 1999. He wrote many articles and was active in his community. He was a lifelong member of the NAACP. He even served as president of the Savannah chapter in 2003.
His Family Life
Prince A. Jackson Jr. married Marilyn Striggles. She was from Sylvania, Georgia. They had five children together.
He was a Catholic. He was also the first Black member of the Knights of Columbus in the Savannah area.
Awards and Recognition
- Prince A. Jackson Jr. received more than 50 academic honors and awards for his work.
Suggested Reading
- Hall, Clyde W (1991). One Hundred Years of Educating at Savannah State College, 1890-1990, East Peoria, Ill.: Versa Press.
