Remembering Former St. Philip's College President Dr. Gloria Jackson
March 23, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that St. Philip’s College announces the passing of its former College president, Dr. Gloria Jackson, who passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, in San Antonio, at 92 years old.
Dr. Jackson began her career at St. Philip’s in 1973 as an instructor in the business department and later became department chair, holding various leadership positions. From 1982 to 1984, she served as the eighth college president. As the second female president of the college, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of students, faculty, and staff.
Assuming the role of President, Dr. Jackson brought with her an impressive 29 years of experience in higher education. Her visionary leadership, coupled with a passion for academic excellence, set a standard that resonated throughout the campus and community.
Dr. Jackson’s academic journey began at Prairie View A&M College, now Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, TX), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics with additional studies in elementary education. She took a position in Bastrop as one of the last Negro Home Demonstration Agents in Texas, serving as a county extension agent who visited and assisted rural African American families with food processing, youth development, farming, and livestock management.
When her husband was hired at Alcorn State University in Mississippi, Jackson accompanied him and they both worked for the historically black institution until 1973, achieving the title of full professor. During that time, Dr. Jackson decided to pursue a master’s degree, which wasn’t available to her as a woman of color in Mississippi, so the state funded her education at Indiana University (Bloomington, Ind.).
In 1985, after serving as President of St. Philip’s College, she went on to work at the Alamo Colleges District office, contributing her expertise to special projects and playing a critical role in the opening of Palo Alto College (San Antonio, TX). Dr. Jackson found that she missed teaching and interacting with students, so she took a faculty position at San Antonio College (San Antonio, TX). Her retirement in 1999, marked her 50th year in education.
Dr. Jackson is preceded in death by her sisters Ethel Mae Williams and Mattie Mae Behn and former husband Leroy Jackson. She is survived by her daughter Nina Marie Jackson Cook, son-in-law Clarence Edward Cook, grandson Edward Leroy Cook, and daughter Ethel Wyvette Jackson.
St. Philip’s College extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Jackson's family during this difficult time.
For funeral service information click here.
