As Chief Fundraising Officer, Jackson will lead operations in the areas of annual and planned giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, campaign planning and implementation, and alumni and friend engagement.
The ceremony starts at 7 p.m. Approximately 460 undergraduate and graduate students will receive their degrees.
Outstanding student awards were presented to Blaise Smith, Carson Bearden, Jinna Boonbumroongsuk, Hayden Hilson, Trey Gaston, and Mei Atsuta.
Performances are April 6, 7, and 8 at 7:30 p.m., and April 9 at 2:30 p.m. in the Arkansas Hall Studio Theatre. Tickets are on sale at hsu.edu/onlineticketing.
Morrison is an international virtuoso who has performed with many jazz legends ranging from Herbie Hancock and Dizzy Gillespie to Dave Brubeck and B.B. King. The multi-instrumentalist is also an educator in his home country of Australia.
Distinguished Alumni awards will be presented to Ellis “Scooter” Register, V.L Cox, and Chris and Debra Wewers. The late Malachi Smith will receive the “H” Award, and the Young Alumni Award will be presented to Nikki Chandler.
Felicity Frushour named first runner-up, Kayla Fite second runner-up.