In role at YSU, Jackson to serve in multiple fields

As a conductor, Dr. Isaiah Jackson has held titled positions in four continents.
By JoANNE VIVIANO
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Accepting a position as Youngstown State University's first Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Isaiah Jackson praised the university for its positive impact on the community.
"As the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra has been an anchor for the development of Federal Plaza West, so Youngstown State University has been the anchor for the development of Wick Avenue and this area in Youngstown," said Jackson, music director of the YSO. "I'm honored to be part of this today. Many have dreamed about this for years and years and it's glorious that it has come to pass.
Jackson, who lives in Boston, was accepted warmly by university staff and students Friday at a reception in the Presidential Suite at YSU's Kilcawley Center, where administrators announced the one-year appointment to the College of Arts and Sciences.
He will serve YSU not only as a musician but in various other fields.
"This is indeed an historic occurrence for Youngstown State University," said Dr. Tony Atwater, YSU provost and vice president for academic affairs. "It marks the first visiting Scholar-in-Residence and is certainly symbolic of our efforts to increase the quality of our academic programs."
Background
Jackson, who also serves as music director of the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, holds a bachelor's degree in Russian history and literature from Harvard University, a master's degree from Stanford University and a master's degree and doctor of music arts from the Juilliard School of Music in New York City.
Jackson will have a "multidisciplinary focus," working with at least eight departments at YSU, Atwater said.
Among other engagements, his schedule lists talks to students in the departments of physics, music and literature, mathematics, philosophy, religious studies, Italian and English. He will also speak at various events, such as the Africana Studies Open House, YSU's high school English Festival, an Outreach program for senior citizens and a History Department Ohio bicentennial celebration.
His campus schedule is being coordinated by Tom Shipka, chairman of YSU's philosophy and religious studies department.
Dr. David C. Sweet, university president, called Jackson "a perfect role model for what this kind of program is all about" and said his appointment helps the university meet three of 10 priorities in its Centennial Plan.
Besides helping to increase enrollment, Sweet said, the appointment will boost YSU's programs and serve as an example of community partnering.
A love for YSU
Jackson spoke of how he loves YSU, from its gardens and fountain to its library.
"But most of all," he said, "I love the people ... and I am proud to be part of that family."
Jackson served as an artist-in-residence at the University of Dayton until last spring.
As a conductor, he has held titled positions in four continents, being the first American to serve as a music director at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.
As a guest conductor, he has led dozens of orchestras around the world, from New York to Los Angeles to Russia to Australia. He has won several awards, including the Signet Society Medal of Harvard University.