The Florida A&M University (FAMU) community is humbled at the passing of one of its most dedicated servants. Eddie Jackson passed on Monday, June 3, after a four-year battle with cancer. Many would not even know he was ill at the pace he worked to continue to lift the university.
Eddie Jackson was a long-time administrator at FAMU. He first rose to prominence on campus as the sports information director. In the late 1960s, he would also serve as famed coach A.S. “Jake” Gaither’s media assistant. He would drive Gaither to speaking engagements and appearances and assure that all particulars were arranged.
In 1966, his football media guide was selected by CoSIDA as the eighth-best in the country. FAMU President Dr. B.L. Perry cited Jackson for his steadfast and successful efforts to promote FAMU Athletics to local, regional, and national media outlets. The efforts resulted in increased coverage of FAMU athletic events and interviews with players and student-athletes.
Jackson’s long and distinguished career took him to university administration including Assistant Director of Veteran Affairs, Assistant Director of Career Counseling and Placement–later becoming Director. In that role, he created his famed “Career Assessment Seminars” and Career Fairs with large local and national companies–including several Fortune 500 corporations.
He was moved to university public relations director. In that role, Eddie Jackson would work miracles with his innovative ideas, elevating FAMU’s profile nationally. In 1992, the FAMU public relations office under Jackson’s leadership received the Silver Medal Award for Overall News and Information programs from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, ranking FAMU second only to UCLA, for having the best news and information program of all colleges and universities in the nation.
In 1998 FAMU President Frederick S. Humphries presented Jackson with the University’s first Presidential Award and named him employee of the year after FAMU had been selected as the TIME Magazine and Princeton Review College of the Year in 1997. Jackson played major roles in the planning and operation of the Orange Blossom Classic and the Florida Classic and has made substantial contributions to athletics at FAMU throughout his administrative career. During Humphries’ tenure, Jackson would serve an identical role as he did with Gaither, handling the president’s appearances and detailing logistics in advance of his arrival to events. Jackson retired in 2002 as vice president of university relations.
After retirement, he and his wife, Dr. Jerrlyne Jackson, have contributed to FAMU Athletics and the general university through the 220 Quarterback Club. Initially derived as a group of retirees who would meet for a weekly luncheon with a goal of donating $500 weekly to the football program. The group has grown through its webcasts to support hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
Often, Jackson would have the sitting university president address his organization. FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. was a regular at 220 Quarterback Club meetings and often spoke of the importance of the work the club was providing to the university
At the forefront of Jackson’s image was his wit. He had jokes for every situation. The banter between him and former FAMU head coach Willie Simmons was legendary with FAMU faithful. Jackson would often claim responsibility for Simmons’ success while deferring all losses to Simmons. Simmons would run with the bit and thank Jackson for his advice on the wins and make claims that he couldn’t reach him for advice after losses. Their comradery was near and dear to FAMU football supporters. Simmons was devastated to hear the news. Simmons was devastated to hear the news. “This one hurts! Eddie meant more to FAMU than words can convey. He embodied love and charity and his legacy will live on! Our condolences go out to Dr. Jackson and the Jackson family,” Simmons said.
The Jackson-led 220 Quarterback Club supported the entire athletic department, often taking the burden of the department to provide targeted resources for coaches and student-athletes. He would partner with the Rattler Boosters, National Rattler “F” Club and FAMU National Alumni Association to bolster the fundraising profile to get the job done. It was probably one of his greatest assets, the ability to build a consensus of support to ensure difficult tasks.
Some of his major achievements included initiating a nutrition program for the football team; and renting the cooling recovery chamber for the football team to use during the hot months of July and August for practice–the first for any HBCU–now in its third. Year; and most recently spearheading and completing a $50,000 drive in five months for FAMU Women’s Sports.