Texas Southern University Welcomes Dr. Paula L. Jackson as Interim Athletics Director
By Francis Page, Jr.
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September 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — A new chapter of leadership is unfolding at Texas Southern University (TSU) as the institution proudly appoints Dr. Paula L. Jackson as Interim Athletics Director. With over two decades of groundbreaking experience in collegiate athletics leadership, fundraising, and student-athlete advocacy, Dr. Jackson’s arrival signals both stability and fresh momentum for the TSU Tigers and their storied athletics program. A Legacy of Leadership Across HBCUs Dr. Jackson’s reputation as a nationally recognized athletics executive precedes her. Having served in senior leadership roles at Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Mississippi Valley State University, and Lincoln University-Missouri, her career is defined by excellence, innovation, and unwavering advocacy for student-athletes. She is also the visionary founder of the Minority Trailblazers in Sports Conference, a national platform elevating minority sports professionals while advancing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) education and professional development. Her dynamic career has also touched the professional ranks, with five seasons in public relations and gameday operations for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, cementing her as a leader with wide-ranging impact. A Vision for Texas Southern’s Next Era “I am excited to join the Texas Southern University family as the Interim Athletics Director and to contribute to its proud legacy of excellence,” said Dr. Jackson. “Texas Southern is uniquely positioned to be a national leader in the evolving landscape of college athletics. I look forward to collaborating with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and community partners to build sustainable success and prepare our athletes to excel both on the field and beyond.” President J.W. Crawford III echoed that confidence: “Texas Southern University is committed to ensuring stability, vision, and leadership for our student-athletes. Dr. Paula Jackson is well prepared to step into this role. Her record of achievement, innovative approach, and ability to forge powerful partnerships will ensure continuity and momentum within our athletics department.” Championing Innovation and Student Success Among her many innovations, Dr. Jackson is credited with the creation of the acclaimed “Classroom on the Road” initiative—an academic lifeline for student-athletes balancing travel and coursework. Lauded nationally as a best practice, this initiative exemplifies her belief that athletic performance and academic achievement must go hand in hand. She also spearheaded the first HBCU NIL Masterclass Summit at Norfolk State University, connecting student-athletes with education, networking, and real-world NIL opportunities. These efforts have directly resulted in student-athletes securing agreements, expanding community engagement, and reshaping what success off the field looks like for HBCU sports. Building Champions On and Off the Field From securing multi-million-dollar partnerships to establishing new intercollegiate sports programs—including women’s soccer, men’s lacrosse, and women’s triathlon at Hampton University—Dr. Jackson’s tenure reflects a track record of impact. Under her leadership, Lincoln University-Missouri celebrated two NCAA National Championships in a single year, proof that her strategies produce results at the highest levels of competition. Her academic pedigree is equally inspiring: a Ph.D. in Education with specialization in Athletic Administration from Northcentral University, an MBA from Clark Atlanta University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Print Journalism from Southern University. A Defining Moment for TSU Houston Style Magazine readers, with Dr. Paula L. Jackson at the helm, TSU Athletics is positioned not only to preserve its legacy but to expand it—preparing student-athletes to thrive in classrooms, boardrooms, and stadiums alike. Her appointment reflects TSU’s broader commitment to equity, innovation, and excellence, ensuring that the Tigers remain a beacon of pride for Houston and the national HBCU community. As Texas Southern University steps boldly into the future, one thing is clear: with Dr. Jackson’s leadership, the best is yet to come for Tiger Nation.
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