The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) joins the Virgin Islands community in mourning the passing of Trustee Emeritus Roy D. Jackson, Sr., MBA, CPA, whose enduring relationship with UVI spanned decades and touched nearly every facet of University life. An alumnus who earned his Master of Business Administration from UVI in 1985, Jackson served his alma mater as an adjunct faculty member, a member and longtime committee chair of the Board of Trustees, a Trustee Emeritus and a financial supporter. His many contributions reflected a sustained commitment to UVI and its mission.
“Trustee Emeritus Roy D. Jackson, Sr. served the University with distinction and an unwavering commitment to responsible governance,” said UVI Board of Trustees Chairman Henry C. Smock. “His financial expertise and decade of leadership as chair of the Finance and Budget Committee strengthened the Board’s stewardship of the University. Beyond his professional contributions, Roy was a deeply respected member of the UVI family whose wisdom, generosity and devotion to the institution touched many. We are profoundly grateful for his service and friendship, and his legacy will remain an important part of UVI’s history.”
Jackson was appointed and confirmed to the UVI Board of Trustees in March 1997 and served through December 2009, including a second term. During his tenure, he chaired the Board’s Finance and Budget Committee for 10 years and, by virtue of that position, also served on the Executive Committee for 10 years. As a Certified Public Accountant, he brought significant financial knowledge and professional expertise to the Board and its stewardship of the University.
UVI honored Jackson during its March 2010 Charter Day ceremony in recognition of his 12 years of service to the University. Later that year, on Oct. 30, 2010, the Board of Trustees formally granted him Trustee Emeritus status in recognition of his outstanding service to UVI.
Jackson’s commitment to UVI extended beyond his formal leadership roles. Through his service as an adjunct faculty member from 1975 to 1995 and his financial support of the University, he gave back to UVI as both an educator and benefactor, maintaining a meaningful connection to his alma mater throughout his life.
“On behalf of the University of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Trustee Emeritus Roy D. Jackson, Sr.,” said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. “Trustee Jackson’s decades-long relationship with UVI and the many ways in which he gave his knowledge, expertise, time and resources speak to his extraordinary commitment to this institution. The University is deeply grateful for his significant contributions, and we join the Virgin Islands community in honoring his legacy of service.”
Beyond UVI, Jackson was the proprietor of Roy D. Jackson and Associates, an accounting firm, and served as the first president and chief executive officer of the Virgin Islands Government Development Bank. His extensive record of community and public service also included involvement with the V.I. Board of Public Accountancy, the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, The West Indian Company Limited and Rotary.
The University of the Virgin Islands and its Board of Trustees extend their heartfelt sympathies to Jackson’s wife, Merilyn Jackson, his family, friends, colleagues and all who mourn his passing.
