Jade Jackson, a public safety reporter for IndyStar, has carved out a journalism path that reflects her commitment to storytelling. However, it’s her enrollment in Jarvis Christian University, the historically Black college her great-grandfather helped found 112 years ago, that has brought her family’s legacy full circle.   

Thomas Buchanan Frost

“My great-grandfather was Thomas Buchanan Frost,” Jackson shared. “He’s a known pioneer and his image hangs up in the school’s library as well as in the stained glass windows of the school’s chapel.”

Back in 1912, Frost played a vital role in founding Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas. “He and his wife, along with their young children rode in a mule and a wagon. Together with who would be the first students at Jarvis, my great-grandfather cleared the swamps and the land,” Jackson explained.

That same year, the college opened its doors, with Frost serving as its first superintendent. Frost’s descendants have maintained strong ties to the HBCU throughout the decades. Jade’s grandfather, KJ Frost, actively engaged with students on campus, often inviting them to get watermelon he grew every summer on the family farm located near the campus. Similarly, Jackson’s mother, affectionately nicknamed “Little Miss Jarvis” during her childhood, now works in the university’s business office, where she assists students with their accounts. 

Returning to Jarvis Christian

In 2022, the institution was renamed Jarvis Christian University, and in the following year, it began offering graduate programs. This prompted Jackson to enroll in JCU’s MBA program. She previously attended Jarvis for the first half of her undergraduate studies—where she was called “Legacy.” Jackson later transferred to the University of North Texas to pursue communications, a major not offered at JCU. 

“Once I heard that Jarvis was going to be offering master’s programs, I just knew I needed to go back,” said Jackson. “It feels like history with the past and the present are meeting together for this common goal of continuing an excellent future. I am truly humbled.“ 

As a link between her family’s storied history and future generations, Jackson embraces her role in maximizing every opportunity for both those before and after her. 

“By honoring those who came before me, I recognize their challenges, their championing and pioneering, and I recognize the work it took to get me where I am,” explained Jackson. “By thinking about those will come after, I’m setting myself up for their benefit and their future.” 

The Frost-Briggs Legacy Fund

One way she is honoring this commitment is by volunteering her skills to enhance the Frost-Briggs Legacy Fund’s digital presence, an initiative her family created. In 2021, Helen Jackson, Jackson’s aunt and a renowned artist based in Washington, D.C., passed away. The family auctioned off artwork from her Capitol Hill gallery, using the $50,000 proceeds to establish the scholarship fund.

“I give all credit to the education I am learning in Jarvis Christian University’s MBA program for the future success of the fund,” said Jackson. 

Frost passed down land and instilled in his family the importance of education and hard work. The fund represents the family’s way of paying it forward to the next generation of JCU students. 

Keeping The Legacy Going

The journalist says she plans to actively contribute to JCU as a student and even after graduating. She is confident that her journey after obtaining her MBA will continue to be one of excellence. 

“Whatever it is that I do with my passions, my great-grandfather inspires me to pioneer and champion what hasn’t been done before,” said Jackson. “For the person out there who doesn’t feel like they have a cool family history or don’t think there’s anything to be proud of, I want you to know that you could be the first. You could literally start now. Your future generations will thank you for it.”