Investing in the future: Jackson family donates toward student and staff success

Investing in the future: Jackson family donates toward student and staff success

Friday, December 13, 2024

Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | [email protected]

In a world where generosity often speaks louder than words, Doug and Beth Jackson have made a lasting impact with their donation for the new Agricultural Hall.

Growing up on a wheat, cotton, alfalfa and cattle farm in southwest Oklahoma made Oklahoma State University an easy choice, Doug Jackson said.

"Both my father and sister attended the university," said Doug Jackson, 1973 OSU agricultural economics graduate and attorney for Gungoll, Jackson, Box & Devoll P.C. "OSU was the natural choice, and for me, it was the only choice."

His decision was rooted not only in family traditions but also in the deep connection to the values of the university, Doug Jackson said. He began his college journey without a car and without any money but was determined to succeed, he added

"I received a Regents' and President's Distinguished Scholarship as well as two additional academic scholarships throughout my time at OSU," Doug Jackson said. "Beth and I have been blessed financially, and we felt like we needed to share with the place we love."

The couple began their journey together in 1987, sparked by a bachelor auction organized by the Enid Chamber of Commerce.

"People asked if I bought him in the auction, but I could not afford him at the time," Beth Jackson said.

The Jacksons married in March 1988 and have five children, four of whom attended OSU.

"The love for the university has a lot to do with the Jackson family," Beth Jackson said. "There are so many connections that our family has had through the university."

The Jacksons have consistently demonstrated their commitment to OSU through various donations, including two scholarships focused on providing financial support based on need, Doug Jackson said.

"Our Leonard Hunter Scholarship and Alpha Gamma Rho Scholarship are based on need," Beth Jackson said.

The Jacksons' decision to give back stems from a deep appreciation for the opportunities OSU has afforded them and their family, said Heidi Williams, senior associate vice president of principal gifts for the OSU Foundation.

When the opportunity arose to contribute again, they seized the moment, eager to make a difference and support the next generation of students in the form of a conference room within the new Agricultural Hall, Williams added.

"They definitely bleed orange," Williams said. "They are very passionate about OSU, and it shows."

For the Jacksons, OSU was a place they wanted to send their children, Williams added.

They have treated OSU like a member of their family with how much they are involved within the university, Williams said.

"They give so much nurture and care to OSU," Williams said. "They have such a desire to see the university be successful, and they have such a heart to give back to something that means a lot to them."

The Jacksons' character can be seen through every interaction, Williams said, who worked closely with Doug and Beth Jackson through their giving to OSU. With interest in the building campaign, Doug Jackson was sold on the idea of the conference room being near the agricultural economics department and a room everyone could use and enjoy, Williams said.

"The Major Conference Room is named after Beth's father, Dr. Phillip Major, and her uncle, Dr. Larry Major," Doug Jackson said. "Both men graduated from the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine program, and we wanted to do something that would honor them."

Situated near the agricultural economics department, the conference room is strategically located in the northeast corner of the second floor of Agricultural Hall. This versatile space with an amazing view of Boone Pickens Stadium is designed to accommodate a wide range of group meetings and collaborative activities, welcoming individuals from all disciplines, Williams said.

The Jacksons hope this conference room serves as a place for engagement, encouraging diverse groups to convene and make the most of their time at the university, both within the academic environment and beyond, Doug Jackson said.

Story by Emily Chavers | Cowboy Journal

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