The Dr. Otis A. Jackson Scholarship Fund

This donor-advised fund provides scholarships to African-American high school seniors at St. Louis Public Schools who will be attending an accredited four year college or university.

Dr. Otis A. Jackson was a man who found his God-given purpose by empowering young people for success. Otis was the 2nd oldest of 5 children raised on the SouthSide of St. Louis, MO.  He attended Vashon High School where he excelled in academics and swimming. His love for Vashon and it’s students led him to return after graduating from college to teach mathematics.

After earning his Ph.D. in education, he spent the majority of his professional career as the Executive Vice President of INROADs, an organization aimed at pairing talented minority college students with Fortune 500 Companies, preparing them for careers in corporate America and entrepreneurship. Upon his retirement, he returned to his beloved alma mater to once again teach high school mathematics.

Although he found enjoyment in his professional life, it was his family life that was most rewarding to him. After marrying his soulmate, Brenda, he poured his time and energy into raising their children, Quinton & Gina, guiding them to becoming a physician and a nurse, respectively. He especially enjoyed his 5 grandchildren: Iyanna, Quinton II, Jackson, Olivia and Jamaul Otis. It was not uncommon to see him tutoring them in math after school, or teaching them to swim, or laughing out loud as they sprayed him with water guns during the summer.

His infectious laugh, bright smile, kindness and selflessness will never be forgotten. We miss our Otis (A.K.A. Papa) and are grateful to see his legacy live on in the countless lives he’s touched and the countless more who will benefit from the scholarship at the school he loved so much.

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