The Office of Student Life is excited to announce Jamartae Jackson as the inaugural Director of First-Generation and Limited-Low Income Student Programs. Jackson joined the IU community on January 13.
“I’m extremely excited to be a member of the Hoosier family,” Jackson said. “Participating in the journey and development of first-generation college students gives me joy, especially as we will share a mutual responsibility to challenge the optimization of each other’s gifts.”

Jackson is an accomplished higher education professional with extensive experience in first-generation college students and promoting diversity and inclusion. His work focuses on leadership development, financial literacy, and fostering a sense of belonging. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Culver-Stockton College and a Master of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
“The hiring of Jamartae Jackson as the inaugural director marks a new chapter of support for students who identify as the first in their families to go to college or have limited financial resources,” Dr. Vicka Bell-Robinson, Associate Vice Provost for Student Life, Involvement and Belonging, said. “Jamartae brings enthusiasm and experience to the role. He is well-suited to take on leadership of this office and will do an excellent job of shaping the future of our initiatives to serve and support this vital student population.”
Jackson demonstrated his deep commitment to student empowerment by serving on numerous committees and leadership programs, including as a representative for the First Gen Network and as a leader for the Brothers Reaching Brothers Employee Resource Group.
Jackson is committed to fostering inclusive environments and empowering students to thrive both academically and personally. At IU, Jackson plans to take an asset-based approach while celebrating the contributions of first-generation college students and creating a space for a “small family feel” to help alleviate the size of the campus.
Student Life looks forward to his continued success in making a positive impact on the lives of our students.
“I see this moment as a dynamic chance to build relationships and create bonds with some of the most skilled students, faculty, and staff at IU,” Jackson said. “We are one big family. First-gen or not, I look forward to creating moments of joy with the IU community.”
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