Karen Keaton Jackson, Ph.D., interim associate provost for academic programs and undergraduate research at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), has been named president of the Southern Regional Honors Council (SRHC), becoming the first African American woman and the first representative from a historically Black college or university to hold the role.
The historic appointment places NCCU at the forefront of shaping honors education across the southern region, where SRHC supports honors councils, faculty, staff and students at institutions in 11 states.
“I have been intentional about expanding outreach across all institution types and working closely with the executive board to create meaningful, year-round opportunities for member engagement,” Jackson said.
Appointed interim associate provost in July 2023, Jackson leads undergraduate academic programs and research initiatives while overseeing curriculum, instruction, academic assessment, and degree programs. She also continues to serve as director of NCCU’s University Honors Program, a role she has held since 2019, where she has expanded opportunities for high-achieving students and strengthened pathways to post-graduate success.
As SRHC president, Jackson will build on its signature annual conference, nationally recognized for elevating student research across STEM, social sciences, business, humanities and creative expression, while expanding year-round engagement and resources for members.
Jackson is also helping lead a strategic redesign of the SRHC website to serve as a digital hub for honors education, professional development and collaboration. New committees focused on membership, student affairs, awards and scholarships and conference planning will open opportunities for both professional and student voices to help shape the organization’s future.
“This will be an engaging year for SRHC,” Jackson said. “I am committed to being accessible and intentional as we strengthen this community together.”