UA Little Rock Alumnus Cameron Jackson Excels in Cybersecurity and on the Track
Balancing the demands of a nine-time All-American sprinter with the rigor of a cutting-edge academic program is no small feat. But Cameron Jackson, a May 2025 graduate of UA Little Rock’s inaugural cybersecurity program, has done it — leveraging the discipline he honed on the track and in the classroom to launch a career in one of today’s most vital industries.
A student-athlete from Kilgore, Texas, Jackson was recruited on a track and field scholarship, but it was the university’s newly launched cybersecurity program that sealed his decision.
“I chose UA Little Rock over numerous other offers because I had heard a cybersecurity program was being developed,” he said. “Although I didn’t have a strong tech background, it was reassuring to know I had that opportunity.”
Jackson said his interest in cybersecurity grew from a natural curiosity about technology and a desire to go beyond the basics.
“I always considered myself someone who was pretty knowledgeable about technology. I could help you add calendars to your iOS device, use Microsoft Office, Photoshop, or troubleshoot day-to-day tech problems,” he said. “But cybersecurity opened up a new level of understanding I hadn’t experienced before.”
Encouraged by his athletic advisors, Jackson took a leap of faith and joined the program’s first cohort — despite initial concerns about the math requirements and joining a program still in development.
“When I started, I only knew of a few other students in cybersecurity, and I worried that the math might discourage me or that the program wasn’t fully established,” he said. “But the professors were welcoming and went the extra mile. Before I knew it, I had earned my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.”
Balancing Division I athletics and a demanding academic schedule was no easy task, but Jackson credits his athletic experience for shaping his academic discipline.
“Being away from campus for meets forced me to communicate better with professors and study harder,” Jackson said. “You’re still a student before you’re an athlete, and you’re expected to do the same amount of work, if not more.”
Faculty support played a key role in his success. Jackson credited Assistant Professor Becky Passmore and her mentorship and encouragement as motivation throughout his time in the program.
“She consistently went above and beyond, whether it was giving me extra practice or even coming to watch my track meets,” he said.
Passmore praised Jackson in return, highlighting the qualities that set him apart in the classroom.
“Cameron brings the same focus and grit he shows on the track into the cybersecurity classroom,” she said. “He’s relentlessly curious, asks the hard questions, and elevates his peers through quiet leadership and teamwork. As we highlight Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Cameron is a great example of how discipline and integrity translate into real-world cyber problem-solving.”
Jackson gained real-world experience through an internship this summer with the cybersecurity team at Baptist Health, where he contributed to protecting critical systems and highly classified patient data.
“When you think about hospitals, you mostly think of doctors and nurses,” he said. “But working with the Information Science team showed me how critical it is to protect the systems that keep patients safe.”
He also worked with UA Little Rock’s GenCyber summer camp, encouraging younger students to explore careers in technology.
Now pursuing a master’s degree at UA Little Rock while working in cybersecurity and training as a professional athlete, Jackson has no intention of slowing down. He encourages future Trojans to believe in themselves and take advantage of every opportunity.
“Always stay true to who you are and trust your instincts,” Jackson said. “Make connections with everyone you can, you never know who might help you along your journey.”