Talladega College president-select, Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., announced today that Rick Jackson will serve as chief communications officer effective July 1. Jackson comes to Talladega after serving as the public relations manager for the Birmingham Water Works Board. Prior to that, Jackson spent six years at WIAT-TV in Birmingham.
“I am excited about Rick Jackson joining the team here at Talladega,” said Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., president-select. “I am confident that Mr. Jackson’s experience with brand management combined with his familiarity with the media landscape and our local communities is a vital part of the recipe that Talladega College needs to continue its legacy as a valuable institution of higher learning.”
“This opportunity was made for me. I became acquainted with Talladega College when I covered the Amistad Murals as a reporter with CBS 42 and through meeting so many of its great alumni,” Jackson said. “We have a lot of opportunities in front of us, and I’m looking forward to helping Talladega tell its rich story in a much richer way.”
In his role with Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB), which spanned more than a decade, Jackson led the charge to rebrand Alabama’s largest water utility. His efforts included a makeover of the organization’s visual brand assets and narrative. Additionally, Jackson strengthened the BWWB’s external and internal communications while serving as their spokesperson.
Prior to BWWB, Jackson spent several years as a morning news anchor and reporter at WIAT-TV, CBS 42, in Birmingham, Alabama. There, he became an award-winning journalist who covered a host of notable figures’ stories including the inauguration of President Barack Obama.
Jackson’s honors include a 2013 Murrow Award for Best Spot News, a 2013 AP Award for Best Spot News Story, a 2013 Green Eyeshade Award for Spot News Coverage, and a 2009 ABBY Award for Best Feature.
Jackson began his career as a news reporter for NBC and FOX affiliate WTVA-TV in Tupelo, Mississippi after earning his Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from Auburn University. Jackson is a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc.
