Always a Yote: Bryant Jackson
“Friends graduated and went on to attend USD. The Yankton High School football team made their way to the DakotaDome for the 2005 high school football championship,” Jackson recalled.
Beyond those early memories, Jackson’s USD story officially began when he joined the university as a police officer in 2015 after serving in the United States Marine Corps. Having already obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Jackon brought with him a passion for lifelong learning that grew further in USD’s academic community.
“The most rewarding aspect about working at USD is being surrounded by individuals who strive to better themselves and their profession daily,” Jackson said.
“Our students are here to learn and grow. Our faculty members provide expert instruction and advance their fields through research and advocacy. This type of energy is contagious. I am driven daily by their example to strive to do better in all aspects of life and my professional obligations.”
That energy, paired with encouragement from colleagues, inspired Jackson to enroll in USD’s Doctor of Education program with a focus in adult and higher education—a decision that would strengthen his leadership skills and knowledge of university administration while also reinforcing his commitment to USD’s academic community.
Today, the education Jackson received in the program supports his work as chief of police, a role he has held since 2021.
“It is truly a privilege to work at USD and serve this community,” Jackson shared. “Every day brings the opportunity to support our students, collaborate with dedicated faculty and staff, and contribute to a campus environment where people feel safe, supported and able to grow.”
That service also extends beyond USD’s campus.
As a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s Police Investigative Operations Committee, and as the first vice president of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Jackson has dedicated his career to ensuring education campuses are a safe and secure place for students to thrive.
Even while serving at the highest levels in the campus public safety profession, Jackson remains humble about his impact and his USD story.
“Being part of a place that is so committed to its people and its mission is something I never take for granted,” Jackson said. “I’m proud to serve in a role where I can give back to a community that has given me so much.”
Favorite USD Memory: “The 2016 USD women’s basketball team’s WNIT championship win in the DakotaDome was an experience to remember! Over 7,400 spectators in attendance and the crowd was ALIVE!”
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