Arrick Jackson, Indiana University Northwest's ninth chancellor, fulfilled a campus tradition March 2. His portrait was unveiled to a room of more than 150 guests.

Jackson became chancellor in July after former Chancellor Ken Iwama was named vice president for regional campuses and online education for Indiana University. Iwama had been chancellor since 2020.

“In these past few months, I’ve not just attended events and met our stakeholders, I’ve witnessed excellence,” Jackson said in a press release. “I’ve watched our students transform blank canvases into large-scale murals in partnership with the City of Gary.”

He also mentioned a project where students helped give Gleason Park a facelift.

“Not because it was required, but because it mattered, because this community matters to us,” he said. “And I’ve listened and learned from research led by our undergraduate students and faculty on topics that are important, meaningful and have real-world, regional impact.”

Artist Renae Ricks-Miller also was on hand. This portrait is the fifth sketched by the artist. She also has taken classes through the IU Northwest School of the Arts.

The IU Northwest campus saw a 7.2% year-over-year increase in students last fall. More than 3,000 students attend classes at the Gary campus.

“This is not a campus standing still,” Jackosn said. “This is a campus accelerating, leading and growing! So, if these past eight months have shown me anything, it’s this: Our foundation is strong. Our momentum is real. And together, we are just getting started.”

Jackson’s portrait will join those of all IU Northwest's chancellors in the lobby of the John W. Anderson Library Conference Center.