King Celebration speaker focuses on ‘The Lesson of King!’

Jackson College is pleased to welcome respected executive leader, diversity strategist and community advocate Nathaniel “Nate” Jackson Jr. to deliver the keynote address at the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Jan. 17.

Jackson brings more than four decades of experience in human resources, leadership development and organizational transformation. He will be sharing insights on “The Lessons of King!” at the 2026 MLK Celebration. 

Most recently, he served as Managing Director of Carrington and Carrington Ltd., where he led the firm’s national diversity practice for the industrial sector, helping organizations identify, develop, and retain progressive middle- and senior-level leaders. He is now retired from the firm but remains active as a thought leader and mentor.

Throughout his distinguished career, Jackson held senior leadership roles with global organizations including Parker Hannifin, Eaton, ING, and Aeroquip Corporation. His work spanned international human resources management, change leadership, merger and acquisition integration, succession planning, and diversity leadership programs across the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Known for aligning values with performance, he helped organizations improve culture, strengthen inclusion, and achieve measurable business results.

A graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Communications, Jackson has also demonstrated a commitment to civic leadership. He has served as President of the Jackson County NAACP and as a member of the Jackson County Social Services Board and Library Board.

The King Celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 in the Potter Center Dining Commons. Limited tickets remain available; they are $50 general admission, or $30 for students with current school ID. Please call the Potter Center Box Office for tickets; 517.796.8600, or stop by Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.