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NIU committee approves Ray Earl Jackson as vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement
Summary
The committee approved Ray Earl Jackson, a senior NIU Foundation officer, as vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement effective July 1, 2025; trustees praised his work and thanked outgoing leader Catherine Squires.
The Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee approved the appointment of Ray Earl Jackson as vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement, effective July 1, 2025, and forwarded the appointment to the full Board of Trustees.
Provost Laurie Eilish Piper outlined Jackson's NIU Foundation background since 2017, noting he "has exceeded individual fundraising goals and helped secure more than $10,000,000 to support student scholarships, programs, and research." The provost described Jackson's roles advancing major gift programs, recruiting and coaching a team of major and planned gift officers, and partnering with senior leaders on philanthropic strategy.
Jackson spoke from the podium after the committee vote, telling trustees he was "called to serve students who, like me, college would be a transformative opportunity for them" and that he would work to help donors accomplish philanthropic goals as the foundation enters the public phase of the comprehensive campaign. Trustees thanked outgoing VP Catherine Squires and offered public support for Jackson's leadership as the campaign advances.
The appointment was approved by motion and voice vote and forwarded to the full board for final action.
