Jackson Earns Outstanding Mentor Award

To many in University Housing, Curtis “CJ” Jackson is a dedicated co-worker, a strong advocate and a caring friend. 

It was no surprise to his colleagues when Jackson won the 2023 Outstanding Mentor award from the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO). This award is presented to an individual who has served in residential life and housing as a staff member for at least five years, has provided outstanding mentorship to students or other housing professionals and is someone who goes above and beyond in their efforts to provide guidance and support to students or staff.

“As a mentor, CJ shows a deep investment in others, seeks to build up those around him and shows a continued dedication to his mentees to positively impact their lives,” said Meghan Luzader, director of residence life and one of Jackson’s nominators for the award. 

Jackson is the assistant director over East Campus residential communities. In this role, Jackson directly supervises four residence life coordinators, three graduate assistants and many student staff in University Housing. With these teams, Jackson facilitates holistic and student-centered programming that builds community and allows for learning outside of the classroom. 

Jackson is also co-founder and co-director of the Black Male Initiative (BMI) Living and Learning Village. Through BMI, Jackson has created impactful programming, educational trips, volunteer opportunities and guest speaker events that engage students in current events and exploration of brotherhood. 

Jackson has also utilized this position to develop future mentors. Jackson has prioritized community outreach and mentorship through a BMI partnership with PreEminent Charter School in Southeast Raleigh. Jackson and students from the BMI village frequently go to the school to teach and interact with middle schoolers, exploring topics of higher education, relationships and values. 

Employees from the school contributed to the Outstanding Mentor award nomination. They mentioned that Jackson showed great dedication and a commitment to help in any needed area from the start of the partnership. Jackson’s respectfulness, dignity and thoughtfulness when visiting the school were greatly revered and noted as a great reflection of NC State values. 

Jackson’s mentorship extends to housing professionals across North Carolina as well. As president of the North Carolina Housing Officers (NCHO), Jackson leads a professional community rooted in the exchange of ideas, support and professional development opportunities at all employment levels. Even prior to his presidency, Jackson was well-known within NCHO for his dedication to mentoring graduate students and new professionals, empowering them as they continue on their professional journeys. Jackson has presented multiple times at both NCHO and SEAHO conferences, exploring best practices for campuses. Jackson is often found talking to other professionals after the presentation to answer questions and discuss effective strategies for different school environments. 

“He is always willing to coach and mentor others, help them to see multiple perspectives and challenges himself to do the same,” Luzader said. “I believe that this is one of the cornerstones to why he is such a successful mentor — he appropriately balances challenge and support, and is revered for it.”

Learn more about CJ Jackson and University Housing at housing.ncsu.edu.