Q&A: Lonnie Jackson shares years of practical knowledge, experience with his MBA students
Dr. Lonnie Jackson
Q&A
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and describe your background in your respective field.
I graduated from Henderson State with a B.S. in Management in 1985 and earned an MBA from Henderson in 1997. I completed a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies from the University of Central Arkansas in 2016.
My wife and I have owned Print Mania in Arkadelphia since 1992 and I have been employed by Henderson since July 2000 where I spent 10 years as center director of the HSU Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC).
I have served as a faculty member in the Henderson College of Business since August 2010. I still consult area small businesses on a part-time basis through the ASBTDC. I believe that oftentimes we seem to learn more from hearing about overcoming challenges rather than just successes. I have certainly had plenty of challenges to pass along.
What is your favorite aspect of teaching?
I enjoy teaching college students and am honored to pass along both theoretical and practical knowledge gained from experience in the workforce. It is important to give back by sharing these experiences with others. I know that I learn best from people who have been there and done that. I hope that I can impart wisdom, experience and best practices from my study of and practice of business and leadership.
Please share something unique about yourself that most people don’t know.
My favorite hobby, besides spending time with the grandkids, is golf. I love to play the game and enjoy spending time with friends on the golf course.
What career paths do students from the graduate courses you teach typically pursue?
Management, business ownership, finance, marketing, and a variety of other fields.
Why should a student choose Henderson State to pursue a graduate degree?
Our program is convenient and affordable, while being delivered by faculty who are experts in their field, both from an academic and professional perspective.
What are the ways a graduate degree can enhance a person’s career?
I believe the MBA provides a well-rounded study of business, from both a micro and macro view. We also utilize case studies in most, if not all, of our graduate courses. The cases are based on real-life occurrences in business, adding to the learning experience.
What do you find most rewarding about being a professor?
It would have to be working with students who are engaged and desire to further their skillset to improve in the workforce and in life.
What advice would you give to students aspiring to seek a graduate degree?
You can do it! If you are waiting on better timing, it will never be perfect. Get started now. The MBA will enhance the knowledge you already have from undergraduate studies and/or work experience in your chosen field.
How can students make the most of their college experience while studying for their graduate degree at Henderson?
One way is to consider additional certifications. We encourage students to take advantage of our Supply Chain Management Certificate and our Project Management Certificate to enhance their knowledge and gain additional credentials for their career.
Can you please share a brief success story related to your students or experiences at Henderson?
Please read this profile of Aaron Palmer at https://degree.hsu.edu/online-programs/business/mba/aviation-management/pilot-aaron-palmer/
Who inspires you and why?
This is a tough question. There have been several over the years. Certainly, my dad, my wife, and other family members are or have been an inspiration to me. But two from Henderson come to mind. Dr. Louis Dawkins, who was dean of the School of Business at the time, inspired me to complete a Ph.D. and to focus on the task at hand, among other things. Currently, Dr. Trey Berry has been an inspiration as I see his hard work, dedication, and willingness to serve our university. This has fostered a 180 degree change in the outlook of students, faculty and the larger community, at least in my opinion.
For more information about Henderson State's MBA program, go to hsu.edu/mba.