A campus leader from Minnesota State University Moorhead is the new chancellor at Indiana University Northwest in Gary.
IU President Pamela Whitten announced the appointment of Arrick Jackson to IU Northwest’s top post in a Thursday news release. His appointment is effective July 1.
Presently, Jackson is provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs at Minnesota State where he’s served since 2019.
“Arrick Jackson brings a wealth of experience that makes him an exceptional fit to lead IU Northwest,” said Whitten.
“His record of successful collaborative leadership and focus on student retention and success initiatives will serve the campus and region well.”
At Minnesota State, Jackson began several new degrees and programs. He’s also credited with the restructuring of colleges, and increased international and graduate student enrollment.
Jackson also created a faculty scholars initiative that funds research.
“As chancellor, I look forward to building upon IU Northwest’s strong foundation while charting an exciting course forward with our exceptional faculty, staff and students; the regional businesses and industry; the city of Gary and all the vibrant communities of Northwest Indiana,” Jackson said in a statement.
Jackson has also served as dean of what was then called the College of Education and Human Services and Ferris State University in Michigan.
He’s also worked as vice president of community and industry education for the Tarrant County College District in Texas.
Jackson, who was an intelligence officer with the U.S. Army, created a high school fire academy in Texas to address a critical workforce need.
Jackson inherits an urban university of about 3,000 students on an upward trajectory.
Last month, interim chancellor Vicki Roman-Lagunas said enrollment was up 3.4% over spring 2024 and applications were up 14% and admissions increased 19%.
Jackson succeeds Ken Iwama who left IU Northwest last year when he was appointed IU vice president for regional campuses and online education. Iwama served from 2020 to 2024 until the retirement of Susan Sciame-Giesecke.
“IU Northwest has a strong history of excellence and Arrick’s experience and track record promise to continue that tradition,” said Iwama.
IU Kokomo Chancellor Mark Canada chaired the 13-member search team that screened the chancellor candidates. The four finalists all made campus visits.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
