LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Edison O. Jackson upon the occasion
of his retirement as President of Medgar Evers College of The City
University of New York, after many years of dedicated service in educa-
tion

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
educational leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instru-
mental in developing character and academic excellence in the young
people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr.
Edison O. Jackson upon the occasion of his retirement as President of
Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York, after many
years of dedicated service in education; and
WHEREAS, Born on October 1, 1942, in Heathsville, Virginia, Dr. Edison
O. Jackson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, a Master
of Arts degree in Counseling from Howard University, and the Doctorate
in Education 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. Edison O. Jackson assumed the
position of Dean of Student Affairs at Essex County College in New
Jersey; and
WHEREAS, 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, Two years later, Dr. Edison O. Jackson accepted the challenge
to lead Compton Community College in Compton, California, assuming the
position of President/Superintendent, remaining there until his assump-
tion of the presidency of Medgar Evers College of The City University of
New York in 1989; and
WHEREAS, With a strong belief in the community, Dr. Edison O. Jackson
holds membership in a number of civic, educational and community organ-
izations; his service has included 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.
Edison O. Jackson has written extensively on issues of concern to educa-
tors with particular concentration on minority students and the communi-
ty, academic preparation and student performance; among the publications
in which his work has been featured are: Western Interstate Commission
for Higher Education, Black Issues in Higher Education, July, 1989; ERIC
Clearinghouse, Study of Attrition: Non-returning Students for 1975-76,
with Robert L. McMillan, 1976; other publications include: Essex County
College: Dynamics of Governance - The Decision-Making Process of a
Public Education Institution, Dissertation, 1983; 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 Agen-
da: Making Colleges and Universities Work Better for Minority Students;
Educating Our Students for a New World Order, Medgar Evers College

Press, 1992; 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. Edison O.
Jackson is an ordained minister who serves on the ministerial staff of
Bridge Street African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church; and
WHEREAS, Educators like Dr. Edison O. Jackson provide a tremendous
service to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of
young people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in
their future years; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Florence E. Jackson,
and their two children, as well as one granddaughter, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Edison O. Jackson has clearly had an enduring impact on
the students of Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York,
as well as on the community-at-large, and accordingly merits the recog-
nition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State for
his impressive dedication to others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Edison O. Jackson upon the occasion of his retirement after
many years of dedicated service in education, and for his significant
contributions to education in New York State; and to wish him continued
success in all of his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Edison O. Jackson, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.