Jade DeMelody Jackson is about to take an important step in her family’s history. This fall, she will begin her MBA studies at Jarvis Christian University, an HBCU founded by her great-grandfather, Thomas Buchanan Frost, in 1912. As Jackson continues her higher education journey, she also embraces her family’s enduring legacy of leadership and excellence at the very institution her ancestors helped build.
Continuing a Family Tradition of Education
Jarvis Christian University, initially known as Jarvis Christian Institute, was co-founded by Jackson’s great-grandfather with a deep commitment to creating educational opportunities for Black youth. Over a century ago, Thomas Buchanan Frost and Charles Albert Berry set out to establish a place that would inspire academic and personal growth for students of color.
In a recent Instagram post, Jackson proudly shared her excitement about returning to the HBCU, saying, “I’m officially an MBA candidate at Jarvis Christian University this fall. It’s truly an honor to continue my family’s heritage of excellence and greatness.” Her words echo the deep connection she feels with the institution and the profound sense of pride that comes from knowing her family played such an important role in shaping its legacy.
The Frost-Briggs Legacy Fund
Jackson’s involvement at Jarvis Christian University goes beyond her studies. Her family has also created the Frost-Briggs Legacy Fund, a scholarship designed to support undergraduate students at the university. This fund helps ensure that future generations of students will have the same access to education that Jarvis Christian University has provided for over a century.
In her post, Jackson highlighted the importance of giving back to the institution that has meant so much to her family, stating, “Being a student here is both humbling and inspiring.” The Frost-Briggs Legacy Fund is yet another way the Jackson family continues to contribute to the institution and its students.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
The history of Jarvis Christian University is deeply rooted in the vision of its founders. Frost and Berry worked tirelessly to open the university in January 1913 with just 12 students. Their mission was simple yet profound: to provide educational opportunities for young Black students in an era when such opportunities were scarce.
The school was modeled after the Southern Christian Institute in Edwards, Mississippi, and funded through a fundraising campaign led by community members like Mary Alphin. Today, Jarvis Christian University is a thriving institution known for its academic rigor, dedication to service, and Christian values.
Jade Jackson’s Next Chapter
As Jackson embarks on her MBA journey, she is not just continuing her academic education—she’s carrying on a legacy. Her decision to attend Jarvis Christian University marks a full-circle moment for her family. The school has been an essential part of their story for more than a century, and now Jackson is adding her own chapter to that history.
Through her studies, her family’s scholarship fund, and her connection to the institution, Jackson is poised to make an indelible mark on Jarvis Christian University. “For me to be a student myself now is truly humbling,” she said. It’s a sentiment that reflects not only her gratitude for her family’s legacy but also her commitment to honoring and extending it for future generations.
