Colonel Rodney Jackson has dedicated his life to protecting others and standing up for the rights of the disabled. He is a two-time graduate of Great Oaks. First, in 1977, he successfully completed the Law Enforcement Program at Scarlet Oaks. He returned as an adult to complete the Police Academy Program in 1985. He retired on disability from police service after suffering a heart attack while on duty. His medical condition led him down a path to help people in other ways. In his own use of a service dog, he discovered, first hand, the many discriminatory practices of businesses toward people with service dogs. He took on 230 companies for discrimination and won all of the cases. He is now a consultant for the Department of Justice. He has served on the Governor’s Council on People with Disabilities, the Rehabilitation Services Council and the Consumer Advisory Council. He established several substance abuse programs to reach out to those needing help. Seeing the variety of needs, Colonel Jackson also produced an extensive line of safety products including an All Hazards Warning System for the deaf. Despite his current battle with cancer, he continues to take a stand against discrimination and helps others. He is a fighter, a champion of worthy causes and a Distinguished Alumni of Great Oaks.