BeaconForge Solutions — Higher Education Consulting

About

A practice rooted in higher education and built for results.

BeaconForge Solutions brings together deep experience in higher education, student success, workforce development, strategic planning, and program execution. We help institutions and organizations move from ideas to implementation with practical, results-oriented support.

Jamaal Jackson, EdD

Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Higher Education & Athletics

Jamaal Jackson is a transformational leader with more than 20 years of experience across higher education, intercollegiate athletics, and institutional leadership. His career spans coaching, teaching, and administration across multiple institutions, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to drive performance, build systems, and lead organizations through change. A proven strategist and builder, Jamaal has generated over $1 million in funding through grants, partnerships, and external engagement efforts. His leadership is defined by his ability to translate vision into execution by developing programs, strengthening operations, and creating sustainable pathways that improve student success and organizational outcomes. Jamaal's work focuses on designing scalable solutions that align education with workforce needs while enhancing institutional effectiveness. He has presented and consulted nationally and internationally on student success, leadership development, and program innovation. He holds a Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education Leadership from Morehead State University, a Master of Public Administration in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Kentucky State University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Physical Education from the University of West Alabama.

Mary Jackson

Co-Founder and Principal Consultant, Workforce & Student Success

Mary Jackson is a higher education professional and trained practitioner with two decades of experience advancing student success, workforce development, and institutional effectiveness. Her work focuses on building stronger connections between education and employment, ensuring that students are prepared to succeed in today's evolving workforce. She brings experience across enrollment management, scholarship programming, college access, and student success initiatives, as well as service as a faculty member. She leads and supports initiatives that strengthen career services, employer engagement, and workforce alignment across institutions. Mary is known for her ability to turn strategy into action, designing and supporting initiatives that are practical, scalable, and results-oriented. She has experience working across institutions and stakeholder groups to improve systems, enhance collaboration, and expand opportunities for students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Berea College and a Master of Music from Eastern Kentucky University.

What We Do

Services that turn institutional vision into measurable progress.

BeaconForge Solutions supports institutions and organizations in strengthening strategic direction, building effective systems, and turning ideas into practical, sustainable action.

Higher Education Consulting

Strategic support for colleges and universities navigating institutional growth, change, and new opportunities.

Strategic Planning & Program Development

Design initiatives aligned with institutional priorities that are measurable, practical, and sustainable.

Operational & Student Success Solutions

Improve workflows, systems, collaboration, and execution across teams and organizational units.

Our Approach

Strategic clarity, paired with hands-on execution.

We combine strategic clarity with hands-on execution. That means helping leaders define priorities, build structure, strengthen collaboration, and move initiatives forward in a way that creates measurable and sustainable impact.

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