University of the Cumberlands Chancellor Dr. Jerry Jackson Named 2026 Leadership Tri-County Leader of the Year

Dr. Jerry Jackson, chancellor of University of the Cumberlands, has been named the 2026 William Hacker, M.D. Leader of the Year by Leadership Tri-County, a regional leadership organization serving Knox, Laurel, and Whitley counties in Southeastern Kentucky. 

The prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional service, collaborative leadership, and lasting impact across the Tri-County region. 

“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it comes from people who care about this region and the future of the communities we share,” said Dr. Jackson. “I have always believed that leadership is never a solo journey. Every opportunity I have had come because someone invested in me first. Education changed the direction of my life, and the greatest way I know to honor those who believed in me is to keep investing in others. If our work does anything lasting, I hope it is that we help people see possibilities for their lives that they may not yet see for themselves.”

About Leadership Tri-County and the William Hacker, M.D. Leader of the Year Award 

Founded in 1987, Leadership Tri-County equips citizens throughout Southeastern Kentucky to grow into leadership roles within their communities. The organization brings together annual cohorts to build relationships, strengthen civic engagement, and deepen understanding of regional challenges and opportunities. 

The William Hacker, M.D. Leader of the Year Award is the highest honor bestowed by Leadership Tri-County. It recognizes individuals who not only lead within their own institutions but also serve as “regional connectors” across county lines. 

“Dr. Jackson was chosen because his leadership reflects the core values of Leadership Tri-County: trust, respect, commitment, and service,” said Dr. Jordyne Carmack, executive director of Leadership Tri-County. “His nomination highlighted a ‘tireless advocacy’ for the region that aligns perfectly with our nearly 40-year legacy of developing local leadership resources.” 

Strategic Leadership at University of the Cumberlands & Beyond

As chancellor of University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Dr. Jackson provides strategic leadership across enrollment management, communications and marketing, and student affairs. His work supports academic growth, student success initiatives, and institutional advancement at one of Kentucky’s largest and fastest-growing private universities.  

In addition to administrative leadership, Dr. Jackson has taught at both the undergraduate and doctoral levels at Cumberlands and has presented at numerous national higher education workshops. His service and professional excellence have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Organization of Outstanding Americans, Union College, and now Leadership Tri-County. 

Beyond campus, Dr. Jackson remains active in national and state professional associations related to college admissions, financial aid, and higher education marketing. He is a member of the American Marketing Association and has served on several boards of trustees. 

“While Dr. Jackson’s professional success at University of the Cumberlands is well documented, it is his heart for our region — his ‘neighborly’ leadership and his willingness to serve across county lines on boards like Baptist Health Corbin — that makes him so deserving of this honor,” added Dr. Carmack. “Jerry has been part of the LTC family since he was recognized as a ‘Leader Among Leaders’ with his Leadership Tri-County class in 2003, and we are proud to celebrate the lasting impact he continues to make on our community today.” 

Honoring a Lasting Legacy: Dr. John Broome Receives Luminary Award 

In addition to Dr. Jackson’s recognition, the late Dr. John Broome, former professor, faculty athletic representative, and director of academic advising at University of the Cumberlands, will receive the Luminary Award. 

According to Leadership Tri-County, the Luminary Award is a posthumous honor given to leaders whose lives were defined by a “heart for the hills” and who modeled the core values of trust, respect, commitment, and service long after their formal roles concluded. 

For nearly 60 years, Dr. Broome served as a professor, academic advisor, faculty mentor, and servant leader. He taught more than 7,000 students, guided the academic paths of more than 15,000, and invested in scholarship opportunities that continue to support families across Southeastern Kentucky. 

“We are deeply touched by this recognition from Leadership Tri-County; it is a beautiful tribute to a man who lived his life with the same integrity and dedication he taught his students every day,” said Erica Harris, daughter of Dr. Broome and executive director for alumni relations at Cumberlands. “Dad believed that true leadership was found in service, and it means so much to us that his legacy continues to serve as a guiding light for future leaders. This honor is a meaningful reminder to our family that his character and service left an indelible mark on the region he loved so dearly.”

Whether mentoring students in faith, advising in the classroom, cheering at athletic events, or connecting in the campus dining hall, Dr. Broome embodied the spirit of Cumberlands’ mission through personal investment in student success. 

“Dr. Broome left a mark on every student for decades at Cumberlands,” said Dr. Carmack. “His example impacted the lives of his incredible daughters and had ripple effects on all those they have come into contact with since. His kindness, joy, and impact as a leader is one that we can all aspire to.” 

A Shared Commitment to Servant Leadership in Southeastern Kentucky 

Together, these recognitions reflect the shared values of servant leadership, regional engagement, and community impact that define both Leadership Tri-County and University of the Cumberlands. 

As the 2026 honorees are celebrated, their legacies serve as a reminder that leadership in higher education and in community life is measured not only by positions held, but by the lives changed across Southeastern Kentucky and beyond. 

2026 Leader of the Year Banquet Details 

Dr. Jackson and Dr. Broome will be honored at Leadership Tri-County’s annual Leader of the Year Banquet on March 26, 2026, at the Williamsburg Tourism and Convention Center. The event begins at 6 p.m., with refreshments at 5:30 p.m. 

Tickets are $50 and may be purchased at leadershiptrico.org/banquet. The evening will also feature a silent auction hosted by the Class of 2026, with proceeds supporting Leadership Tri-County’s ongoing mission of developing leadership across Southeastern Kentucky.