Women's Track & Field | 3/17/2026 1:00:00 PM

DURHAM, N.C. – Laila Jackson, a North Carolina Central standout in track & field and cross country, is no stranger to success – both on and off the track.

A 2024 All-MEAC cross country performer, Jackson helped the Eagles' distance medley relay team finish first as the NCCU women placed third at the 2026 MEAC Indoor Track & Field Championships. An eight-time MEAC track & field medalist, Jackson was the conference 800-meter champion in 2023 and has earned MEAC all-academic honors in both sports.

Her accomplishments led to more recognition for the Avondale, La., native. During the recent Athletes Unite Conference on campus, Jackson was given a $5,000 scholarship – a moment that caught her off guard.

"I was surprised," Jackson said. "I'm just thankful!"

Jackson, a senior, was one of two scholarship recipients selected by Shakeout, Inc., a non-profit organization behind the annual Athletes Unite Conference. The scholarship honors student-athletes who excel athletically, academically (maintaining at least a 3.5 grade point average) and through service in their communities.

According to Classye James, founder and owner of Shakeout, Inc. the nonprofit organization behind the annual Athletes Unite Conference, nominations were submitted by student-athletes and administrators from institutions across the region, including North Carolina State, Duke, North Carolina, North Carolina Central and Winston-Salem State.

"We received a strong group of nominations from student-athletes who are doing incredible work on and off the field," James said. "Each nominee submitted a video sharing why the scholarship would make a difference for them and how they plan to use it."

Jackson's story and leadership stood out to the selection committee.

"What she has accomplished as an athlete at Central spoke volumes to me and the committee," James said. "She has also been a champion for the conference as an ambassador. We know that once student-athletes finish competing, the support they need isn't always there. Knowing she needed assistance to finish her last semester, we were honored to support her."

James and NCCU Director of Athletics Dr. Louis "Skip" Perkins presented the scholarship to Jackson during the conference at the NCCU Student Center.

"To see how things worked out, it definitely reminded me the importance of speaking up for yourself, telling your story, and continuing to show how your impact makes a great difference," Jackson said.

For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.