William “Hud” Jackson, the head football coach at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has been appointed UAM’s director of athletics.
He will continue as the head coach of the Boll Weevil football team, according to a news release from the University of Arkansas-Monticello.
Jackson assumed the role of interim athletics director in July 2021 while continuing as the head football coach following the departure of former athletics director Padraic McMeel.
In his role as the athletics director, Jackson will continue his primary duties, including hiring staff members, fundraising, and working with campus leadership to set university strategies, according to the news release.
UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss said she is pleased Jackson has agreed to continue in both roles. “He is a phenomenal leader for our athletics department and understands the importance of academic success and student retention. He has done an excellent job of fundraising and creating strategic partnerships to strengthen the department and improve opportunities for our student-athletes.”
“I am very excited to continue in this role,” Jackson said. “UAM and Monticello are special to me and my family. I am grateful to our athletics staff and coaches for their support and to Dr. Doss for believing in me and our vision. There are many positive projects happening right now, and we are on a great path. Our student-athletes are the most important part of the puzzle, and we must continue to help them to be successful in the classroom and in competition.”
Jackson, who has coached the Boll Weevil football team since 2011, spent six seasons at the University of Central Arkansas as associate head football coach and director of football operations. He coached football and baseball and served as athletics director for four Louisiana high school programs before joining the UCA coaching staff.
The Thibodaux, Louisiana native was an all-state high school baseball player who went on to letter in baseball at McNeese State University where he earned Most Valuable Player and Outstanding Pitcher awards. He was also the starting quarterback for the McNeese State football team for three years.