RUSTON, La. – Louisiana Tech Director of Athletics Tommy McClelland announced that he has named longtime University employee Ed Jackson as the Assistant AD for Student Development, Diversity and Inclusion.

Jackson, who lettered for the Bulldogs in the early 1980s and who served numerous roles during his 28 years at Louisiana Tech, was promoted to Assistant AD for Character Education and Student Development nine years ago. He will maintain those responsibilities while adding some new ones with the most recent title change.

"We are thrilled to have Ed expand his role to take over these critical responsibilities," said McClelland. "He is so engrained in our University, our athletic department and our campus. He has been committed to our student-athletes for almost three decades.

"Ed's longtime commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that we will advance the athletic department's values and accountability in those areas. I'm looking forward to working with Ed on continuing to improve in all areas of diversity and inclusion."

McClelland said in his new position, Jackson will work toward creating an engaged, inclusive and equitable culture for student-athletes, administrators, coaches and staff in the university's athletics department.  

Jackson will help the athletics department support initiatives, provide awareness, provide training and educate staff members and student-athletes on diversity related topics, while also celebrating differences and achievements. 

"I want to thank Dr. (Les) Guice and Mr. McClelland for my new role," said Jackson. "It's one that I will take very seriously. We are in a time of change in our country, and I want to help be a voice for all minorities, and a solution for everyone. I love Louisiana Tech University and all of its constituents. I think we have a wonderful family here in Ruston, and I want to do my part to help make it even better."

Jackson, a father of five girls, earned his bachelor's degree in education from Tech in 1983, and his master's in education administration from Mississippi College in 1989.

He was a finalist for the 1999 American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year award. Following his playing career in Ruston, he spent time playing professionally in both the NFL and the USFL.