From the 2006 Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards:
Clevonne Jackson, program director, Student Support Services/Educational Opportunity Program, has served Portland State for more than 18 years. The nomination portfolio for the Cumpston Award is a testament to demonstrated excellence in service to students at Portland State University.
Ms. Jackson's career at the University began in 1988 in the office of Educational Equity Programs and Services (EEPS). The EEPS office houses several programs, including the program Ms. Jackson has directed since fall 1988. All the EEPS programs serve to increase access to college for those students whose backgrounds are traditionally under-represented in post-secondary education.
Ms. Jackson aptly serves not only in the role of an administrator, but also as a counselor, mentor, and role model to countless students. She is greatly appreciated and loved, as evidenced by the gallery of photos and thank-you cards displayed in her office.
By example, Ms. Jackson has set the standard for academic support services at the University. By making personal connections between student affairs and academic affairs, she has helped students understand academia and faculty understand student issues.
Ms. Jackson is also valued professionally for her local, regional, and national leadership in matters of access to education and career development.
The Mary H. Cumpston Award for Service to Students is given annually to an academic professional or unranked university administrator who has demonstrated excellence in the area of service to students. Mary H. Cumpston was a beloved colleague whose enduring contributions to Portland State University and to the community have enhanced the development and delivery of student services. Her gift was the ability to identify individual and University needs and to match these needs with creative and effective solutions.