Four University of Oklahoma College of Arts and Sciences alumni were honored for their contributions at the local, national and international levels on Feb. 22, during the college’s annual Kaleidoscope Evening. Recipients of the 2008 College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award are Julianna Brannum, representing the professional schools; Cheri Cartwright, representing the humanities; Keith Jackson, representing the social sciences; and John Wiens, representing the natural sciences.  Dan Evatt was recognized for exceptional service to the college by receiving the Distinguished Service Award.

Jackson earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from OU in 1987.  He played football at OU from 1985 to 1987, and in 1988, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.  He continued his career in professional football for nine years, earning a Super Bowl championship as tight end with the Green Bay Packers in 1997.

In 1992 Jackson incorporated Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids in his hometown of Little Rock, Ark.  P.A.R.K. is a nonprofit agency that serves junior and senior high school students who appear to be at risk of dropping out of school and/or succumbing to the pressures of drugs, alcohol, sex and/or gangs.  It provides tutoring, recreation, summer programs and community service.  Jackson serves as the president of the board.

In addition to his work with at-risk youth, Jackson has been a broadcast analyst with the TNT network, Oklahoma Sooner football radio network, Fox Sports network and the Arkansas Razorback Sports Network.  He also spends much of his time speaking to churches, civic groups, corporations and schools. 

He was presented an honorary doctorate of humanities by the Ouachita Baptist University; has been named Man of the Year by the Boys Club; received the Young Arkansas Award by the Jaycees; was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame; was named one of the top 85 players in the National Football League; and was named OU Offensive Player of the Century.