By Ravyn Chatmon |Online editorAugusta University has appointed Dr. Patrice Buckner-Jackson as our new assistant vice president of Student Affairs. She will be supervising Housing and Residence Life, Student Life and Engagement, Multicultural Student Engagement, Campus Recreation and the Maxwell Theatre. Since starting at AU, Jackson has been meeting with student leaders to hear the concerns about engagement on campus. There are three questions that she uses to facilitate student input. “What are we doing well? What are our areas of improvement? What questions do you have for me? Our students are saying that they want an experience. They appreciate the academic rigor and the opportunities for research, but they want a true college experience and the feeling of a community.” Jackson’s plan of action is to create a sense of community for the students at AU and promote inclusivity on campus. “This is perfect timing and a perfect fit to build this community the way that our students need and desire it. There’s a difference between going to school and your school being your home. I believe in the power of not just going to school, getting the education and getting the degree, but making connections and [this school] becoming your community. That’s the goal.” Despite her office being located on the Health Sciences campus, Jackson spends a large portion of her day on the Summerville campus. Working on both campuses gives her the opportunity to get to know the undergraduate, graduate and professional students that are all over AU. While Jackson is passionate about student affairs, she can be seen humming a tune or showing off her baking skills in her off time. “I love music. It’s the joy of my heart. There is always a playlist in my head. If there’s not one in my head, I’m stressed! As of now, my favorite song is Steady Love [by India.Arie].” “I also love to cook. Now, I’m not bragging, but I’m known for my red velvet cake and macaroni and cheese. I’ve passed the cake recipe down to my daughter and, if I’m being honest, she might be a little better than me, now.” Dr. Jackson and her husband, Rev. Edward Jackson, have a daughter who is majoring in mathematics at Georgia Southern University. They have a yorkie named Bella that keeps them busy. Jackson is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Jackson earned her bachelor’s in sociology from the College of Charleston, her master’s in counseling from Webster University and her doctorate in education from Georgia Southern University. Dr. Jackson previously served at Georgia Southern as the associate vice president and dean of students for 12 years and Albany State University as vice president of Student Affairs for one year before transitioning to Augusta University. Contact Ravyn Chatmon at RCHATMON@augusta.edu