UNC Renamed New Residence Hall for Jacksons
The university honored the trailblazing couple by naming a new housing project after them.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Higher Education
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On September 8, UNC announced it would name a new residence hall after Blyden and Roberta Jackson to honor their legacy. The decision follows the demolition of the original Jackson Hall, which was torn down in September 2026.
Why it matters
The university aims to preserve the couple's history as pioneers at the institution by carrying their name forward into the new construction. Blyden Jackson was the first tenured Black faculty member at UNC in 1969, and Roberta Jackson was the first tenured Black woman in the Division of Academic Affairs.
UNC is committing $300 million toward student housing to accommodate enrollment growth. Planners intend to incorporate bricks salvaged from the original 1942 building into the new structure.
The players
Blyden Jackson
He was the first Black faculty member to receive tenure at the University of North Carolina in 1969.
Roberta Jackson
She was the first Black woman to receive tenure within the university's Division of Academic Affairs.
Lee Roberts
He serves as the Chancellor of the University of North Carolina and recommended the naming proposal.
The details
The Board of Trustees approved the name after receiving a recommendation from Chancellor Lee Roberts. Housing and Facilities staff initially proposed the honor to the naming committee to ensure the legacy of the Jacksons remains prominent on campus.
Timeline
The original Jackson Hall, formerly known as Navy Hall, was built in 1942.
Blyden Jackson became the university's first tenured Black faculty member in 1969.
Roberta Jackson began her tenure in the School of Education in 1970.
The original building was first renamed in honor of Blyden Jackson in 1992.
The original Jackson Hall was demolished in September 2026.
Roadmap
The project follows the 1992 renaming of the original Jackson Hall, marking a continuation of the university's efforts to honor their legacy. By incorporating salvaged materials, the institution balances historic preservation with the necessity of campus expansion.
Students and faculty in Chapel Hill will see the new housing project become part of the university's ongoing $300 million expansion effort. The project ensures the preservation of historical campus elements through the reuse of bricks from the previous facility.
The takeaway
The university is prioritizing the integration of campus history into modern infrastructure projects to serve an expanding student body. This transition allows the institution to honor academic trailblazers while addressing long-term housing requirements.
Further reading
Learn more about the campus evolution in our Higher Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Tar Heel.
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