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Harry R. Jackson, former director of the Division of Public Affairs, died Aug. 3 in Hickory, N.C., under hospice care. He was 75.
A native of Washington, N.C., Jackson graduated from American University with a bachelor’s degree in English.
He began his career as a reporter for the Courier Times newspaper in Roxboro, N.C. After service in the U.S. Army, he joined the staff of the Department of Alumni Affairs at Duke University in 1960 as a staff writer for the Duke Alumni Register. He became editor of Duke’s alumni publications in 1965.
Jackson was appointed assistant to the president at UB in 1970, working with President Robert L. Ketter. He was named acting director of the Division of Public Affairs in 1980 and director in 1981.
During his years at UB, he also served as director of government relations and director of federal relations, moving to Washington, D.C., in 1991 to become the university’s liaison with the federal government.
Former colleagues fondly remember Jackson as a gentleman who cared about his employees and treated them with respect and dignity. He also was remembered for his distinctive southern accent and the Brunswick stew he brought to campus to celebrate the new year.
Reader Comments
Dr. L.A. Cappiello says:
Harry Jackson, because of his keen insight and quick analysis of a situation, "saved the bacon" of three UB Presidents many times during his years of service. The old line about great players making great coaches applies to university administration as well as to athletics. Harry was a true All American and a hell of a good guy.
LAC
Posted by Dr. L.A. Cappiello, Professor Emeritus, 08/12/11