University of New Orleans alumnus Michael “Mike” Jackson, an engineer who has managed multi-million-dollar construction projects, will serve as the principal speaker at the University’s fall 2024 commencement ceremony, which will take place at the Lakefront Arena on Friday, December 13 at 10 a.m. 

A Baton Rouge native, Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from UNO in 2001 and is also the incoming president of the UNO Alumni Association. 

“Mike’s engineering degree from UNO has been a foundational element of his success,” said President Kathy Johnson. “He’s achieved so much professionally, and he’s deeply connected to his alma mater. He’s an outstanding role model for our graduates, and I know they will benefit from his message.”

Jackson is currently district manager of public realm and special projects at the Energy Corridor District, a Houston business hub that is home to some of the world’s largest energy companies, as well as medium and small start-up, tech and engineering firms. Prior to his current position, he was a federal project manager for HDR, managing design for federal agencies including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard and U.S. Army. 

In 2022, Jackson completed a 20-year federal civilian career, last holding the position of construction technology subject matter expert for the U.S. Air Force. In that capacity, he provided the Air Force with expertise on construction specifications, facilities criteria, acquisitions and industry tools to build needed infrastructure and facilities. During his 12 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs, he was one of the resident engineers who managed the construction of the $1 billion VA New Orleans Medical Center project and was the lead engineer for the $90 million inpatient building. 

In 2016, Jackson began working for the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Civil Engineer Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, located near Panama City, Florida. During that time, he successfully managed a $3.4 million facility assessment contract, which provided facility inspection data for 42 installations across the U.S. His work was recognized by Air Force leadership and resulted in the presentation of the Civilian Achievement Medal Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement and meritorious service. 

Jackson earned a master’s in management from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. He is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College, both at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.