Murray State Athletics Mourns the Passing of Hall of Famer Dennis Jackson

Murray State Athletics is saddened to learn that Racer Hall of Famer and longtime supporter and friend, Dennis Jackson, has passed away.

Jackson, who is the namesake of the Dennis Jackson Leadership Program, was an accomplished student-athlete for the Racers from 1960-64, competing as a receiver, tailback and safety in football and was an excellent performer in track & field.

"I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Jackson for many years as a personal friend, and the impact that he had on so many lives will be dearly missed," former Board of Regents Chairman Leon Owens said. "He was the epitome of a servant leader, and went above and beyond for his students, colleagues, teammates and all that crossed paths with him. This is truly a sad day for the Murray State community, and I extend my deepest condolences and my heartfelt prayers to his family."

The Dennis Jackson Leadership Program (DJLP), which was implemented in January 2023, provides the needed tools to Murray State student-athletes in the areas of personal growth, life skills and professional development. From recruitment through retirement, the program is a guide for student-athletes to be successful by focusing on career readiness, leadership & civic engagement, brand management, financial literacy and mental health.

"On behalf of Murray State University, we would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Jackson family as they cope with the loss of Dennis Jackson," University President Dr. Ron Patterson said. "Dennis is forever engrained in the history of our institution, and his impact will have a lasting effect on generations of Racers to come thanks to his contributions as an educator and as a Hall of Fame student-athlete."

Since the DJLP started, the department has broken numerous records in community engagement, including more than 1,400 community service hours, and has impacted the personal lives of numerous student-athletes, all in part to the values instilled by Jackson on a daily basis.

"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear friend Dennis Jackson," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "Dennis truly exemplified what it meant to be a Racer, not only during his time as a student-athlete, but throughout his storied career as an educator and a mentor. He will forever be remembered through our Dennis Jackson Leadership Program, which continues to positively impact each of our student-athletes on a daily basis, and will have a lasting impact on generations of student-athletes for years to come. Our thoughts are with the entire Jackson family, and all who knew him, during this difficult time."

In 1960, Jackson became the first African American student-athlete at MSU. He was an all-around player competing as a receiver, tailback and safety in football and was an excellent performer in track & field.

Jackson was recruited to Murray State by coach Bill Furgerson, where he played as an all-around football player competing on offense and defense. One of the amazing moments of his career occurred in his final homecoming game against Tennessee Tech at Cutchin Stadium in 1964, when he scored the tying and game-winning touchdowns in the fourth quarter in the 28-21 win for the Racers.

Jackson was MSU's top receiver in 1964, leading the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. An All-Ohio Valley Conference selection in 1964, he held numerous receiving records for Racer Football when he finished his senior season.

In track & field, Jackson was an excellent sprinter in the 100-yard and 200-yard events and was part of the Racers' Ohio Valley Conference champion 4x100 relay team that had the best time in the southeast region.

The desire to participate in athletics never left Jackson even when his playing days were done. He served as a high school basketball official for 25 years and called numerous games in 15 years at the Kentucky State Tournament. Jackson was inducted into the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 1999.

He graduated from Murray State with degrees in history and physical education and began a 40-plus year career as a teacher, coach and administrator until his retirement from Paducah Public Schools in 2008.

Murray State inducted Jackson into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007 and recognized him as its Distinguished Alumnus in 2016.

Information regarding funeral arrangements will shared at a later time.

Murray State University

Murray State Athletics Mourns the Passing of Hall of Famer Dennis Jackson

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