Dennis Jackson Leadership Program Propels Murray State to Record-Setting Year

With a continued emphasis on serving each of its more than 400 student-athletes from recruitment through retirement, Murray State Athletics has completed a record-breaking year in multiple facets of the organization thanks to the success of the Dennis Jackson Leadership Program, presented by Swift & Staley.

Powered by the five pillars of Career Readiness, Leadership & Civic Engagement, NIL Preparedness & Brand Management, Financial Literacy, and Mental Health, the Racers were able to achieve record-breaking success throughout the NIL landscape, academics and community engagement and outreach.

"When we formally launched the Dennis Jackson Leadership Program, our goal was to provide the experiences and resources necessary for our student-athletes to not only prepare them for life after college, but to help them navigate today's collegiate landscape," Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said. "With the help of our staff and many in our community, we have given each of our student-athletes tremendous opportunities to grow in a variety of areas while also creating a platform for them to achieve success in NIL, in the classroom and beyond. We are extremely grateful for Dennis Jackson, Swift & Staley, and everyone who has helped make this program a huge success."

Over the last year, the department has put on more than 20 different sessions based on the program's five pillars, including sessions on NIL readiness that have allowed Racer student-athletes to maximize NIL and career opportunities through strategic relationships with The Brandr Group, INFLCR, the Blue & Gold Standard and others throughout the community.

"It has been a tremendous honor to continue our partnership with Murray State Athletics through the establishment of the Dennis Jackson Leadership Program," Swift & Staley President Leon Owens said. "Mr. (Dennis) Jackson epitomizes servant leadership, and the success that this program has achieved over the last year has ensured this, and future, generations of Racer student-athletes will be equipped to lead and serve our communities and nation. The future of this program is extremely bright, and we are blessed to be a part of it."

Financial literacy was also a main point of emphasis throughout the year. Student-athletes were able to sit down with representatives from Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) and begin planning for their financial futures while learning how to manage their current financial situations.

In line with NIL readiness, financial literacy, and community engagement, a new business alliance was created to further enhance the bonds between the department and the surrounding areas. This alliance, which includes mentorship workshops and networking events and socials, has allowed student-athletes to build personal and long-lasting relationships with individuals and businesses throughout the community with the goal of career preparedness and job placement.

As a result, multiple student-athletes were able to set up a Roth IRA and invest in and start their own businesses.

There were plenty of other opportunities for growth through the program, such as the Women's Empowerment and Education (WEE) events that allowed all female student-athletes the opportunity to network and learn from woman throughout the community.

Other guest speakers that impacted all MSU student-athletes including a representative who works with collegiate and professional sports organizations who spoke on sports betting education, Dr. Lori Robinson, the Player Engagement Manager for the Baltimore Ravens who spoke on character and values, and Timothy Warnock, a Mental Health Advocate and Educator, among others.

Murray State student-athletes shattered the previous record for community service hours, compiling 1,281 hours through the Dennis Jackson Leadership Program, a nearly 500-hour increase from the previous year, and serving 23 organizations throughout the area.

The department put on major philanthropic events throughout the year, including a canned food drive benefiting Murray-Calloway Need Line and Calloway County Collective and the Racers Day of Service, where 12 organizations through a successful day of giving back.

With a continued emphasis in mental health, Murray State Athletics has seen more than 50 percent of its staff become certified in mental health first aid and has continued to provide programming geared towards mental health.

Formally announced on January 18, 2023, the program 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 people both with their families and in their careers.

The program is named after Racer great Dennis Jackson, who became the first African American student-athlete at Murray State in 1960 and excelled to All-Ohio Valley Conference status in two sports. Jackson went on to graduate from Murray State with degrees in history and physical education.

For more information on the program, click HERE.

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Murray State University Athletics

Dennis Jackson Leadership Program Propels Murray State to Record-Setting Year

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