Dennis Jackson Leadership Program - Murray State University Athletics

Murray State Athletics officially launched the Dennis Jackson Leadership program, powered by Swift & Staley, in January of 2023 to provide 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.

During their time with a Racer sports program, the goal is to focus each student-athlete on their academic pursuits, career readiness, leadership and civic engagement, NIL preparedness, brand management, financial literacy and mental health.

The program is named for 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. A native of Murray, Jackson graduated from Murray State with degrees in history and physical education.

PILLAR 1 – CAREER READINESS

Networking Development
Micro-Internships
Career Planning
Mentorship
Career Hiring Events
M Club Membership – Connect with former Racers
Resume Building

PILLAR 2 – LEADERSHIP & CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Speaker Series
Community Service
Voter Education
Chamber, Local Government, Economic Impact Engagement and Education
Trip to State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky.

PILLAR 3 – NIL PREPAREDNESS & BRAND MANAGEMENT

INFLCR
Co-Branded Group Licensing
Brand Consulting
Social Media Coaching
Attire & Wardrobe Prep

PILLAR 4 – FINANCIAL LITERACY

Murray State Business School Connections
Local Bank Partners – Savings and Checking
Retirement and Benefits Planning
Investment Education

PILLAR 5 – MENTAL HEALTH

Mental Health Resources