A Terry Scholar with a passion for service and an academic advisor from the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS) have been honored for their exemplary commitment to The University of Texas at Dallas and its causes.
M. Broderick Johnson received this year’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award, which highlights a graduating senior who has demonstrated leadership, commitment, perseverance, creativity and service to the community.
Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics with a specialization in statistics and a minor in political science. He worked as a peer advisor for Residential Life and mentored first-generation college students in their freshman year.
An active volunteer, Johnson participated in two Alternative Spring Break projects providing hurricane relief. He also worked for the Innocence Project of Texas, which works to exonerate those who have been wrongly convicted of crimes.
Johnson served as the committee chair of the UT Dallas Terry Scholars organization and as the president of the John Marshall Pre-Law Society. As a Bill Archer Fellow, he spent a semester in Washington, D.C., working as an intern in the Office of the Curator of the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to participation on the Moot Court competition team, Johnson played two seasons with the Comets men’s basketball team.
Kevin Jackson was named Undergraduate Advisor of the Year, emerging from a field of 27 nominees. The award recognizes outstanding service and support of the academic goals of UT Dallas undergraduate students.
Jackson has served as the liaison to the UT System Advising Institute and has a hand in all parts of advising in the BBS office. He was also chosen as the school’s advisor of the year in 2019. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and a master’s degree from Concordia University Irvine in California.
A first-generation college graduate, Jackson cites his humble beginnings and life experience as helping him relate to the students in ways that “get them in a place where they are tuned in, listening and learning.”
Jackson, who previously served as an assistant college basketball coach for eight years at the junior college and Division I levels, said the techniques he used to reshape mindsets and motivate players translate to his current role.
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
M. Broderick Johnson, Collegium V Honors graduate
What are your plans after graduation?
“In the fall, I will start my education at Yale Law School as a member of the class of 2023 and indulge my passion for law, philosophy and justice.”
What is your fondest memory of UTD?
“I don’t think there is one in particular — the memories that I cherish the most were when I was enjoying time with the different families that I have been a part of. I think back to playing board games and watching ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ every year with my fellow Terry Scholars, of grinding and joking with the guys on the basketball team as we chased a championship, of summer training with my fellow peer advisors, and of staying up until 3 a.m. the night before a full day of work and school talking with someone that I love.”
What advice would you give future Comets?
“UTD is a place of unbelievable opportunity. Seek it out, and have pride in where you are. Work hard, but remember to take a break and understand that failure is a part of the game. Take time to appreciate how blessed you are, and then uplift others. At the end of the day, all that truly matters is how we impact the lives of those around us.”
Undergraduate Advisor of the Year Award
Kevin Jackson, academic advisor III
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
“To play a part in motivating and inspiring students to reach their goals. When they do, it’s like soul money for me.”
What’s the most common question asked by students?
“‘How many hours do I have left to take?’ Our students are very intelligent and highly motivated to succeed and reach their goals. A lot of them have a heart and passion to help people, and I think that is so great.”
What was the best part of the online advising experience during the final weeks of the spring semester?
“Taking advantage of the videoconferencing programs available now and being able to talk to students from a comfortable spot at my home.”