CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN — LaTora Todd Jackson was recently inducted into Class VIII of Alabama State University’s 50 Under 50, a prestigious alumni award.
Jackson said she was led to Alabama State after attending a college fair while attending Opelika High School.
“I met an ASU recruiter, Mr. Lorenzo Patrick. He was so professional and so nice to me when I met him and would always check in on me whenever he visited Opelika High School,” she said. “He, along with my guidance counselor, Mrs. Phyllis Peters and the guidance office secretary, Ms. Barbara Ruff, encouraged me to apply for scholarships at Alabama State University. Once I did, I was awarded a Presidential Scholarship. That did not convince me to attend, though. I knew ASU was for me when I went to visit the University and Mr. Patrick took me around campus to my areas of interest. He made me feel special, as did everyone that I met the day of my campus visit. It was then that I knew ASU was where I belonged and where I wanted to pursue my college degree.
“The history of the university made me feel a sense of pride,” she said. “I was supported and encouraged by many people while I was a student there. That is the same approach that I take in interacting with students in my career now. If I can give back in the way that I was given to while at ASU, I know that I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of the students that I work with.”
Jackson works as an academic advisor in Auburn University’s School of Kinesiology.
“The solid educational foundation that I received while pursuing my B.S. degree in biology at ASU motivated me to choose my current career path,” she said. “Because I participated in undergraduate research programs at ASU, I was prepared for the workforce and started a research career right after I graduated. I was able to gain skills doing research that carry over into my duties now as an instructor of science classes and as an academic advisor.”
Jackson said she was led to Auburn University because it is close to her hometown of Opelika.
“I relocated for some years and ended up coming back to Auburn because of the impression it left on me when I was a new college graduate,” she said. “Auburn University is a family, and I have always felt appreciated while working here.
Jackson said her mother, Ms. Darlean Todd, was always supportive of her.
“I did not know how it was going to be when I went off to college. However, at ASU I learned of so many opportunities and had people around who encouraged me to be the best that I could be. While there, I was able to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in the science field as a biology major, to cultivate my leadership skills as a Golden Ambassador and to give back to the community through service projects with my sisters in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. All of my skills and abilities that were fostered at ASU continue to help me in my roles at Auburn University.”
After graduating from ASU, she also graduated from the University of Alabama and Auburn University at Montgomery.
“I have been able to serve on a medical advisory board as well as help organize volunteer events and opportunities for students,” she said. “I am involved with a committee at AU, and we focus our tasks on making education more accessible for ALL Auburn University students. I continue to participate in professional development and continuing education activities to further enhance my skill set.”
Jackson said her time at Alabama State University and her participation in its Alumni Association helped her grow as a professional and as a person.
“The HBCU experience is extremely valuable. Given our diverse society,” she said. “It is essential to cultivate an understanding and respect for those around us, beginning with self-love and self-respect. My time at ASU allowed me to gain deeper insight into my identity and foster a profound appreciation for HBCU culture. This personal growth enabled me to recognize my worth and share that positivity with others.”
