Newswise — The nation's highest-ranking housing official will deliver the Hiram College Commencement address on Saturday, May 15. Alphonso Jackson is the 13th Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
"Only a handful of institutions in the country will host a cabinet level official as their Commencement speaker," said Hiram President Thomas V. Chema. "We were honored to be encouraged to extend an invitation to the President, but knew that the chances that we would be selected were remote. I'm pleased that Hiram was a finalist for a presidential visit and that Secretary Jackson has agreed to join us for the celebration. He and his staff have already begun working with our staff members to ensure that his participation is meaningful for our graduates and their families."
Jackson was nominated by President Bush and was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. He previously served as HUD's Deputy Secretary where he managed the daily operations of the 9,000 plus employees in the department responsible for increasing homeownership, promoting economic community development, enforcing the nation's fair housing laws, and creating affordable housing for low-income residents.
Prior to joining HUD in 2001, Jackson served in a variety of leadership positions, directing public housing authorities in St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Dallas. His service to his country was honored with appointments to the National Commission on America's Urban Families, The National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing, and the National Welfare Simplification and Coordination Advisory Committee. He is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Jackson earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in education administration from Truman State University. He then went on to earn a law degree from Washington University School of Law. A native of Dallas, he is the youngest of 12 children.
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