Jordan Jackson Named First Carilion Clinic Endowed Athletics Scholarship Recipient

RADFORD, Va. — Jordan Jackson grew up admiring heroes who wore white uniforms and made a difference every day. Those heroes were nurses.

That inspiration has come full circle as the Radford University senior has been named the first recipient of the Carilion Clinic Endowed Athletics Scholarship, a new award recognizing student-athletes who excel in health care studies and athletic competition.

An all-conference sprinter for the Highlanders, Jackson is completing her final semester in Radford's nursing program while preparing for the winter and spring track seasons. She was selected as the inaugural scholarship recipient for her academic achievement, athletic performance and demonstrated commitment to a career in nursing.

The Carilion Clinic Endowed Athletics Scholarship was established to support Radford University student-athletes pursuing careers in health care, reinforcing Carilion Clinic's long-standing partnership with the university and shared commitment to education, service and community impact.

Carilion Clinic Chief Nursing Officer Michelle Franklin said Jackson embodies the purpose of the new scholarship.

"Jordan's dedication to nursing and her academic excellence exemplify the values we strive to support through this scholarship," Franklin said. "By investing in students like her, we are helping shape the future of health care while strengthening our partnership with Radford University."

A Richmond native, Jackson's path to nursing was shaped early by personal experience. She has managed asthma throughout her life and spent significant time in hospitals as a child.

"I spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals when I was younger," Jackson said. "The nurses really had an impact on me. They made those visits less scary, and I always thought I wanted to have that kind of impact for someone else."

Balancing a rigorous nursing curriculum with Division I athletics requires careful planning and discipline. As an upper-level nursing student, Jackson often trains independently to accommodate clinical rotations and coursework.

"Because of the time she puts into her studies, Jordie often practices on her own," said head coach Shelli Sayers. "Yet she's still one of our top competitors. That speaks volumes about her determination and self-discipline. I couldn't be prouder of her."

On the track, Jackson has been a key contributor for the Highlanders. A graduate of Cosby High School, she broke school records previously held by her older sister and became a standout performer at Radford. She was part of the 4x400-meter relay team that placed first or second in four meets last indoor season, won the individual 400 meters at the VMI Team Challenge, and helped the distance medley relay team capture gold at the Big South Conference Indoor Championship in 2024.

Beyond competition, Jackson's academic schedule has included extensive clinical work at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where she has gained hands-on experience in patient care while carrying a full course load and maintaining daily training sessions.

"Jordan has always pushed herself," said her mother, Tracey Jackson. "Academics and running have always balanced each other for her."

That drive was evident from the beginning. Jackson and her twin brother, Eddie Jr. — now a defensive back at Furman University — faced medical challenges at birth, and Jackson spent her early years frequently hospitalized. While asthma still presents challenges, she has learned to manage her condition through preparation, communication and consistency.

"I've learned to stay ahead of it," Jackson said. "Knowing my body, being consistent with my medication and letting people know when something feels off makes a difference."

Jackson chose Radford for its strong nursing program, hands-on learning opportunities and supportive environment. Meeting Sayers during the recruiting process helped solidify her decision.

"I knew she cared about me as a person, not just an athlete," Jackson said. "With nursing, I needed a coach I could depend on."

The Carilion Clinic Endowed Athletics Scholarship will be awarded annually to a Radford University junior or senior majoring in a health care field, providing meaningful support to student-athletes preparing for careers in patient care and service.

"Jordan epitomizes what it means to be a Highlander," said Radford University Athletics Director Robert Lineburg. "Her work ethic, resilience and commitment to excellence on and off the track set a powerful example. We are grateful to Carilion Clinic for its continued support of Radford University Athletics."

With graduation approaching, Jackson reflects on her early motivation — keeping pace with her older sister, Trinity, a former college basketball player — and the goals still ahead.

"It hasn't always been easy," Jackson said. "But I've found a second family here. Being an athlete teaches you to compete in life, not just in sport."

And as she prepares to cross both academic and athletic finish lines, Jackson is doing so with the support of the Carilion Clinic Endowed Athletics Scholarship, designed to honor perseverance, purpose and a future dedicated to caring for others.

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Players Mentioned

Jordan Jackson: Sprints/Relays; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Jordan Jackson
: Sophomore
: Sprints/Relays