I reported this as a rumor this weekend – it’s now official…

Stillman College’s Director of Athletics Paul Bryant announced the selection of Donte Jackson as its new men’s basketball coach. The announcement comes after a national search that saw more than 200 applicants vie for the position. Jackson will be introduced at a press conference on Wednesday, June 4, at 2:30 p.m. in Birthright Alumni Hall.

"I am excited for the opportunity to be the head coach of the Stillman Tigers," said Jackson. "I think that this is a great opportunity to build a great program in the SIAC."

The Wisconsin native comes to Stillman after four seasons at the helm of the Central State University (CSU) program. He was named the men’s basketball coach at Central State University in 2010 after serving as an assistant coach for seven seasons. In four seasons as the Marauders head coach, he built a 68-42 record. Jackson averaged 17 wins per season including finishing with a 19-9 mark during the 2011-12 campaign, which was his second as the leader of the CSU program.

While serving as an assistant coach at CSU, he helped guide the Marauders to an NCAA tournament appearance and three Independent Conference Association regular season titles while compiling a 125-61 record.

When asked about what fans and supporters can expect, Jackson responded with great optimism and determination. "Fans can expect us to play hard night in and night out. We will play with discipline and structure as we look to do what is necessary to build a championship program in the conference."

Jackson graduated from Central State in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and in 2008 earned the Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

As a student member of the Marauder basketball team, Jackson was a three-year letterman and earned all-conference and all-region honors during the 2001-2002 season. He led the Marauders to the NAIA Division I National Tournament and a Sweet Sixteen appearance with a 24-8 record during 1999-2000 season.

Jackson received one of the Central State’s most prestigious honors in his senior year. He was selected as the recipient of the John W. Garland President’s Award, presented annually to a student athlete who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity and sportsmanship through academic and athletic achievements.

"I am honored to have (Coach) Jackson join the Stillman family," said Bryant. "He is a young, energetic professional who has proved to be a winner as a player, assistant coach and as a head coach. I look forward to working with him as he continues the tradition of Stillman basketball."

Jackson is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended Alexander Hamilton High School. He was an All-City Conference player and received All-State honors his senior year of high school. Prior to Central State University, Jackson played one season at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (NCAA Division I).

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