If Nicholas Jackson (‘19) could describe Northern Kentucky University in one word, it would be enlightenment.

“[NKU] expanded my view of the world around me,” Jackson says. “I now had a better understanding of how underlying business principles impacted health care delivery.”

While growing up in Savannah, Georgia, with both parents serving in the Navy, Jackson says he was taught to work hard. After graduating from college with his bachelor’s in radiologic sciences from Armstrong State University, Jackson took on another challenge: earning his MBA.

Jackson now works as the senior radiation therapist of 21st Century Oncology’s Las Vegas market. Because of his MBA he earned at NKU, he was promoted into a management role.

“This degree will help further my career to one day achieve a senior executive role within a thriving health care organization,” he says.

Jacksons remembers his time at NKU fondly. His favorite graduate professor was Dr. Sandra Spataro because of her Organizational Change course.

“She did a phenomenal job of encouraging us to evaluate our emotional intelligence and self-awareness when making business decisions,” Jackson says.

Other than managing the technical staff in four cancer centers specializing in radiation oncology services, Jackson also participates in professional volunteer work. This work includes serving on the board of directors for the Kentucky Society of Radiologic Technologists, Inc. for four years, including a term as president. He also advocated for safe legislation affecting his profession while organizing educational conferences.

“I was motivated to volunteer because I was hungry for growth and new experiences,” he says. “I needed to find a way to contribute to the medical imaging and radiation therapy community in a meaningful way.”

Because of Jackson’s MBA, he was able to continue advancing in his career and fueling his greatest passion: employing strong leadership competencies to improve the lives of cancer patients.

“I chose the MBA program at NKU because it was 100 percent online, accelerated, accredited and affordable,” he says. “The faculty was highly qualified.”