University of the Cumberlands Student Earns Six Degrees, National Law Scholarship, and Acceptance to UK Law

By the time Trey Jackson, ’26, graduated from University of the Cumberlands, he earned six degrees, completed nearly 30 professional experiences, obtained almost 30 licenses and certifications, and secured admission to the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law.

Most recently, Jackson was awarded the Spring 2026 Society of Scholars Scholarship from Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, a national honor awarded to only four students each semester.

While those accomplishments are impressive on paper, Jackson views them as part of a larger purpose. Throughout his time at Cumberlands, he has pursued every opportunity not simply to build a résumé, but to expand his knowledge, serve others, and create opportunities for future students.

Why Trey Jackson Chose University of the Cumberlands

Originally, Jackson received a substantial scholarship offer from the University of Kentucky. Yet when it came time to choose a college, he felt drawn elsewhere.

“I don’t know exactly what it was, but it just felt like Cumberlands is where I needed to go,” he said.

The decision paid off. 

At University of the Cumberlands, Jackson found the flexibility, support, and academic opportunities necessary to pursue an ambitious goal: earning six degrees in just four years.

“If I could do it again, I’d do it the exact same way,” he said.

Completing six degrees simultaneously required discipline and determination, but Jackson never viewed the challenge as a reason not to try.

“I have always loved learning, and I want to be well-rounded in my knowledge,” he explained. “I would have regretted it if I hadn’t done it. It was extra work, but it has been worth it.”

That mindset has shaped his entire college experience.

“If I’m able to do something, I’m going to do it,” he said. “I’ve always been the kind of person to take every chance I can and to go the extra mile when possible.”

Creating New Opportunities for Pre-Law Students

Some of Jackson’s proudest accomplishments extend beyond his own success.

During his time at Cumberlands, he helped establish the university’s chapter of Phi Alpha Delta, one of the nation’s leading professional law fraternities dedicated to service, leadership, and professional development.

The idea grew from a simple observation: pre-law students needed a stronger community and more opportunities to explore the legal profession.

“Not having a pre-law organization on campus is difficult,” Jackson explained. “There might be a club dedicated to history or political science, but not every pre-law student falls neatly into those categories.”

Today, the organization helps students connect with peers, explore legal careers, and build professional networks.

“This year, we organized several small-group visits to local law schools,” Jackson said. “We also had an incredible opportunity to network with the Kentucky Supreme Court justices.”

His leadership in establishing the chapter earned national recognition through Phi Alpha Delta's Society of Scholars Scholarship.

“It was really meaningful to have support from an organization that’s meant quite a bit to me,” he said.

More importantly, Jackson believes the organization will continue benefiting students long after he graduates.

“I think it will continue to be a great resource,” he said. “Having the chapter on campus will allow students interested in law to see if it’s actually something they would like to do.”

Serving Eastern Kentucky During a Time of Crisis

Among Jackson’s nearly 30 professional experiences, one left a particularly lasting impact.

While interning with U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office, Jackson found himself at the center of relief efforts following the devastating EF4 tornado that struck London, Kentucky, in May 2025.

The tornado tore through the community overnight, leaving widespread destruction and dramatically altering the lives of countless families.

At the time, Jackson had been in his internship role for only a week.

“Up until then, it was mostly the completion of normal office tasks,” he recalled. “After the tornado hit, the focus shifted.”

Rather than handling routine administrative work, Jackson began assisting with disaster response efforts across the region.

“I began doing on-the-ground work with McConnell’s office, just trying to help as many people as I could,” he said.

As supplies and donations poured into the area from across the country, coordinating resources became one of the greatest challenges.

“Supplies were scattered all over the place, and people would call the office to express their needs,” Jackson explained. “It was often on us to coordinate where things should go and to ensure everything was allocated effectively. I participated in a lot of delivery efforts as well.”

The experience reshaped his understanding of leadership.

“Leadership is not always a big political victory,” he said. “Often, it’s just helping people on a local level. Photo opportunities and big events are nice, but the smaller and less glamorous acts of service are what matter most to the people you serve.”

Preparing for Law School and a Career in Public Service

As Jackson prepares to begin law school at the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, his focus remains on serving the communities that shaped him.

“As of now, I hope to take the prosecutorial route after law school because I believe that will be my most effective way to make an impact,” he said. “Ensuring justice is served here in our local community is important.”

He believes effective legal professionals must understand the people and communities they represent.

“The federal justice system can get filled with people who may not understand the local area here in Eastern Kentucky,” he said. “As someone who grew up here, I believe my personal understanding of our area and its challenges will be an asset to that role.”

While attending law school, Jackson hopes to continue expanding his experiences and perspectives.

“I want to see everything from all sides and understand how different systems and things work,” he said. “Being well-rounded will help me be a better attorney.”

A Commitment to Learning and Serving Others

Whether earning six degrees, helping establish a student organization, coordinating disaster relief efforts, or preparing for a career in law, Jackson has approached every opportunity with the same goal: learn as much as possible and use that knowledge to serve others.

For Jackson, success has never been measured by the number of accomplishments listed on a résumé. Instead, it is defined by the impact those experiences allow him to make.

As he prepares for the next chapter of his journey, that commitment remains unchanged: continue learning, continue serving, and continue investing in the communities he calls home.