‘Outstanding Citizen’ honored with Hall of Fame induction
OROVILLE >> Billie Charles Jackson, Oroville High School Class of 1964, is being honored posthumously as 2021 Oroville Union High School District Hall of Fame inductee.
Jackson was an active Oroville High student singing in the school choir and playing basketball her sophomore through senior year. She was a member of the Girls Athletic As- sociation, the Pep Club and Future Teachers of America.
Following graduation, Jackson enrolled at Chico State but her collegiate journey was interrupted by her marriage to Matt Jackson and the birth of their son, Matthews, and daughter Joy. Ultimately Jackson returned to Chico State earning an undergraduate degree in English with a minor in music; her master’s degree in education; and, her secondary teaching credential.
Having earned her degrees, Jackson served as director of the Chico Head Start Program. Then in 1977 she was appointed director of Student Learning at Chico State beginning a successful 29-year career at the university where she also served as director of Disabled Student Services and associate director ESP, DSS, and Student Employment.
In her honor Chico State established the Billie Jackson Award which is given to the top African-American academic scholar during commencement every year.
“Many may not know of Billie’s earlier work, developing retention strategies for African-American CSU students. They were programs like Operation Success, a mentoring program, the Institute of Black Enhancement, academic support groups run by Black faculty and staff and the creation of the Black Faculty and Staff Association,” wrote Charles Carter, executive director of Alliance for Education Solutions, in his letter of support for Jackson’s induction into the hall of fame.
Jackson’s contributions reached beyond Chico State into the community. She served on the board of Chico Habitat for Humanity and was instrumental in establishing the Boys and Girls Club of the North Valley, serving on the original board. She was also one of the founders of The Essence Women’s Club, a charitable organization committed to raising money for African-American students and community.
She sang with the Chico Community Gospel Choir and was a devoted member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church serving as missionary, singer and pianist. She was also a member of Chico Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.
In 1996, Jackson was honored by the city of Chico as one of four Outstanding Citizens as part of the Olympic Torch Ceremony, celebrating the Olympic Torch passing through Chico.
Jackson passed away on June 18, 2020 at age 74. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Matthews Jackson, as well as her son, daughter and four grandchildren.