ÐßÐßÊÓƵ University’s Dr. Wilma Jackson has been appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s (THECB) Student Success Advisory Workgroup (SSAW). Dr. Jackson’s appointment will play a key role in supporting the state’s strategic plan, Building a Talent Strong Texas, which aims to strengthen educational outcomes for students across the state.
The SSAW works closely with the Division for Student Success at THECB, guiding programs that impact student access, persistence, and workforce transitions, particularly for academically and economically disadvantaged populations. The workgroup also provides recommendations for initiatives that improve student transitions from secondary to postsecondary education, graduation rates, and career placement.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to represent ÐßÐßÊÓƵ University. We do such great work engaging our students,” Jackson said. “This is a way to increase our efforts to provide guidance, feedback, and recommendations for accelerating student success programs and initiatives.”
Dr. Jackson will serve on the College Readiness/College Connect Courses subcommittee, which focuses on helping incoming students successfully transition into postsecondary education.
"I am looking forward to serving on the College Readiness/College Connect Courses subcommittee. Ensuring that incoming students have the tools that enable them to be successful post-orientation is essential to retention and engagement," she said.
Her appointment includes a two-year commitment through August 2026. She will participate in several in-person and virtual meetings, including the Texas Conference on Student Success in October 2024 and the Higher EDge Leadership Conference in December 2024. Additionally, she will provide expert testimony to Texas legislative committees and contribute to evaluations of student success programs across the state.
Dr. Jackson, who currently serves as LU’s director of strategic initiatives, brings a wealth of experience in education and student success programs, making her an invaluable asset to the SSAW as it continues its mission to improve higher education outcomes statewide.