The Dallas Housing Authority has dedicated its West Dallas headquarters to former U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development secretary and WashULaw alumnus, Hon. Alphonso Jackson, JD ‘73.
“This is an important testament to Al’s legacy and the inspiration he provides to future generations. We are grateful for Al’s contributions and are privileged to have him associated with our institution,” says Dean Russell K. Osgood.
Jackson is a native of South Dallas and was the first African American president and CEO of the Dallas Housing Authority in 1989. The agency is now known as DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas. President George W. Bush nominated him as the 13th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the United States Senate unanimously confirmed him in March 2004.
Jackson serves on the United States Institute for Peace International Advisory Board and Ford’s Theater Society Board of Trustees. He also served on the United States Department of State Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (Chair). He is a member of The Alfalfa Club and Horatio Alger Association (Board of Directors). After his government service, Jackson served as Vice Chairman of Mortgage Services with JP Morgan Chase, followed by Senior Advisor to the CEO at First Data Corporation (now Fiserv Corporation). He has received many notable awards and honors, including the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award from WashULaw.