LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending President Edison O. Jackson upon the
occasion of his retirement from Medgar Evers College of The City Univer-
sity of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed resi-
dents of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
President Edison O. Jackson upon the occasion of his retirement from
Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York, to be cele-
brated, on Wednesday, June 17, 2009, in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Edison O. Jackson was born in Heathsville, Virginia; he
earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, a Master of Arts
degree in Counseling from Howard University, and a Doctorate in Educa-
tion from Rutgers University with academic emphasis on the philosophy,
function, role and administration of urban educational institutions; and
WHEREAS, After serving for four years as a Senior Counselor/Instructor
at Federal City College, in 1969, Dr. Jackson assumed the position of
Dean of Student Affairs at Essex County College in New Jersey; promoted
to Vice President for Student Affairs, he was soon appointed Executive
Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Essex County College in
September of 1983; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, Dr. Jackson accepted the challenge to lead Compton
Community College in Compton, California, assuming the position of
President/Superintendent, remaining there until his assumption of the
presidency of Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York in
1989; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Jackson is a member of numerous civic, educational and
community organizations; likewise, he has served as a member of the
Board of Directors of numerous social and economic organizations such
as: the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education
(NAFEO); the American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Millennium Leadership Institute; and, the Commission on Educational
Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education; and
WHEREAS, A college president, educator, and community activist, Dr.
Jackson has written extensively on issues of concern to educators with
particular concentration on minority students, the community, academic
preparation and student performance; it is his genuine concern for the
moral, social and intellectual elevation of people of color in the
borough of Brooklyn and the City of New York which has resulted in his
selection as a recipient of numerous awards for community service; in
addition, his work has been featured in numerous publications; and
WHEREAS, Some of his later work which has been featured in publica-
tions include: In Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, Medgar Evers College
Press, 1992; Educating Our Students for a New World Order, Medgar Evers
College Press, 1992; A Crucial Agenda: Making Colleges and Universities
Work Better for Minority Students; and, Religion, Education, and the
American Experience: Reflections on Religion and American Public Life,
College President As Spiritual Leader, University of Alabama Press,
2002; and
WHEREAS, A motivational speaker and spiritual leader, Dr. Jackson is
an ordained minister who serves on the ministerial staff of Bridge
Street African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church; residing in Prospect
Heights, Brooklyn, he is married to Florence E. Jackson; they are the
proud parents of two children, and one granddaughter; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Jackson has continually demonstrated an impressive dedi-
cation, an unparalleled devotion and an unremitting enthusiasm for the
quality of the educational programs and opportunities offered at Medgar
Evers College for the benefit of its faculty and students, as well as
for the entire community; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Dr. Jackson's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend President Edison O. Jackson upon the occasion of his retirement
from Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Edison O. Jackson.