(Hastings, Neb.) – The Hastings College Board of Trustees has reluctantly accepted the resignation of President Dennis Trotter, who has been in office since June 1, 2011. After accepting the resignation, the Board deliberated and unanimously elected Donald E. Jackson ’70 as his successor. Jackson most recently served as the college’s Vice President for Advancement, after successful tenure as Vice Chairman of the Hastings College Board of Trustees and as long-time global Chief Operating Officer of Easter Seals. A Nebraska native, President Jackson’s term is effective immediately.
Hal Dittmer ‘62, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said the Board has great respect and admiration for President Trotter and accepted his decision “with profound regret.”
“Dennis’s term has been relatively brief but remarkably impactful,” said Dittmer. “We wish him and his wonderful wife, Trina, all the best.”
President Jackson, who joined the Hastings College administration last year after serving more than five years on the Hastings College Board of Trustees, commended President Trotter for his service and thanked him for his commitment to Hastings College and the thoughtfulness and integrity he brought to the institution.
“Dennis has had a long, varied and successful career in higher education,” said Jackson. “He will be an asset wherever he decides to focus his innovative ideas.”
Newly-elected President Jackson added: “I am humbled and honored to be elected by the Board of Trustees to serve our students and their families, faculty, staff, alumni and all those associated with this extraordinary college. My heart belongs to Hastings College, and I am proud to be at its helm during this exciting and challenging period in our development.”
Dittmer praised President Jackson as a true leader who embraces the culture and values of Hastings College along with having an outstanding record of achievement directing non-profit organizations and privately-held businesses.
“Don is the right person for the presidency at the right time in our history,” said Dittmer. “He has made a significant impact on our development activities since joining the administration in 2012, and his contributions as a Board Member are well-known to the campus community and beyond. I am confident that the transition will be seamless and warmly welcomed by the campus community and our extended Hastings College family.”
President Jackson’s relationship with Hastings College dates back to his days as an undergraduate where he earned his BA. He joined the college administration after serving more than 21 years as the Chief Operating Officer with Chicago-based Easter Seals. Previously, he founded and directed the expansion of Rehabilitation Systems, Inc., a multi-state health care company focused on physical therapy services. He holds a MS in rehabilitation services administration from DePaul University and a certificate in physical therapy from Northwestern University. In addition to having served as Vice Chair of the Hastings College Board of Trustees, he served as Vice Chair of the Hastings College Foundation Board of Directors.
Don Jackson is married to Beverlee Nelson, and the couple has three adult children.
