After months of uncertainty and questions about who is running the Texas Southern athletic department, the school has announced that it has hired Dr. Paula L. Jackson to serve in that capacity.
Jackson was announced on Aug. 29 as the leader of TSU’s athletic department ahead of the season-opening Labor Day Classic.
Texas Southern has been without an athletic director since Kevin Granger took a leave of absence in early June while facing sexual assault charges against a TSU employee. It’s uncertain how this appointment affects Granger’s job.
When the Defender reached out to Granger’s attorney, Letitia Quinnones-Hollins, late Thursday night about his job status, she responded the following day with “no comment.”
In the interim, TSU is bringing aboard Jackson, who has more than two decades of experience in collegiate athletics leadership, fundraising and student-athlete advocacy.
She has previously held leadership roles at Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Lincoln University-Missouri. Additionally, she is credited with founding the Minority Trailblazers in Sports Conference, a national platform recognizing minority sports professionals while promoting NIL education and professional development.
“I am excited to join the Texas Southern University family as the Interim Athletic Director and to contribute to its proud legacy of excellence,” Jackson said via a released statement. “Texas Southern is uniquely positioned to be a national leader in the evolving landscape of college athletics, and I look forward to collaborating with our student athletes, coaches, staff, alumni and community partners to create innovative opportunities, build sustainable success and ensure our student athletes are prepared to excel both on the field and beyond.”
She holds a Ph.D. in Education specializing in Athletic Administration from Northcentral University, an MBA from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Print Journalism from Southern University.
Among her many accomplishments, Jackson created the innovative “Classroom on the Road” initiative, which provided student-athletes with academic support while traveling for competition. This groundbreaking program strengthened academic outcomes and has been cited as a national best practice in student-athlete success. During her time at Norfolk State University, she also facilitated the first HBCU NIL Masterclass Summit, in partnership with B+E Collective. The summit provided education, networking and deal-making opportunities for student-athletes—resulting in multiple NIL agreements and enhanced community engagement.
Her leadership has also been instrumental in forging multi-million-dollar partnerships, creating new revenue streams, and expanding opportunities for student-athletes across multiple sports.
“Texas Southern University is committed to ensuring stability, vision, and leadership for our student-athletes,” Texas Southern President J.W. Crawford II said in a released statement. “Dr. Paula Jackson is well prepared to step into this role. Her record of achievement, innovative approach, and ability to build strong partnerships will help maintain continuity and momentum within our athletics department. She brings both experience and dedication that will serve our student-athletes and community well.”
Jackson was instrumental in establishing three new intercollegiate sports programs at Hampton University: women’s soccer, men’s lacrosse, and women’s triathlon. The triathlon was funded by a grant she wrote and secured. Additionally, Lincoln University-Missouri won two NCAA National Championships within the same year under her leadership. She also spent five seasons with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons as part of the public relations/gameday operations staff.
