March 8 , 2026 – Hendrix College will honor alumna Dr. Dionne B. Jackson ’96 with
the inaugural Hendrix Women’s Leadership Community Award during Hendrix Alumni
Weekend April 17-19. Although Dr. Jackson will be unable to attend the event in
person, the College will recognize her outstanding leadership and impact in
higher education, public service, and community engagement.
The Hendrix Women’s Leadership Community
was established to celebrate and support women who embody the values of
leadership, mentorship, and meaningful impact in their professions and
communities. Through programming, mentorship, and recognition, the WLC seeks to
uplift Hendrix women who are advancing positive change and creating pathways
for others to lead.
Dr. Jackson exemplifies those ideals
through a career dedicated to inclusive leadership and institutional
transformation. She currently serves as Vice President for Inclusive Engagement
and Title IX Coordinator at DePauw University, where she provides cabinet-level
leadership in compliance, belonging, and strategic engagement, and also serves
as a part-time associate professor of education studies.
With more than 22 years of experience in
higher education, as well as executive leadership in nonprofit and municipal
roles, Dr. Jackson has built a reputation as a mission-driven leader focused on
advancing inclusive excellence and strengthening community partnerships.
At DePauw, Dr. Jackson co-authored and
co-leads Growing Green and Gold Together, a $32 million Lilly Endowment-funded
initiative supporting $109 million in community development. She oversees the
Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the Women’s Center, and the university’s
legal and compliance functions while leading campus climate initiatives and
strategic engagement efforts.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Jackson served
as the inaugural Chief Equity Officer for the City of Little Rock and as
Executive Director of AR Kids Read where she guided the organization through
financial stabilization, growth, and strategic repositioning. She also
previously served Hendrix College as a tenured faculty member and later Vice
President for Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Jackson began her professional
journey as a science teacher and was named Arkansas First-Year Teacher of the
Year.
A proud Hendrix graduate, Dr. Jackson
earned her doctorate from Baylor University and holds a master’s degree from
the University of Central Arkansas. She currently serves on multiple boards,
including the Board of Trustees at Ottawa University, and is the State
Co-Director of the American Council on Education Women’s Network of Indiana.
“Hendrix women continue to shape
communities, organizations, and institutions in remarkable ways,” said Dr.
Gabby Vidal-Torreira, faculty
director of the Hendrix Women’s Leadership Community. “Dr. Dionne
Jackson embodies the spirit of the Women’s Leadership Community through her
commitment to service, equity, and mentorship. Her leadership reflects the
values Hendrix seeks to cultivate in every student, and we are honored to
recognize her as the inaugural recipient of this award.”
The recognition of Dr. Jackson marks the
beginning of what Hendrix leaders hope will become a lasting tradition of
celebrating the accomplishments and influence of Hendrix women across
generations.
Additional details about the Women’s
Leadership Community Award and its presentation will be shared during Hendrix
Alumni Weekend April 17-19. View the full slate of Hendrix Alumni Weekend
festivities at www.hendrix.edu/alumniweekend.
About
Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is
featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You
Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts
colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career
preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors
compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the
United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the
classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice,
and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives
of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of
Purpose