Jackson honored among College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni

3/5/2018 Stefanie Anderson

Written by Stefanie Anderson

Bill Jackson
Bill Jackson
This year, MechSE alumnus Bill Jackson (BSME ’82, MSME ’83) will be honored with the College of Engineering Distinguished Alumni Award. The college recognizes recipients for professional distinction through outstanding leadership, contributions to the field of engineering, creativity, and entrepreneurship, as well as service to society, the professional community, and to the department, college, or university.

Jackson is being recognized for outstanding achievements in business, for distinguished service to the broader community via corporate leadership, and for commitment and service to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Jackson began his career working as an engineer and program manager for Lockhead, formerly known as General Dynamics, where he researched composite materials for fighter aircraft applications. He went on to work at the consulting firm Booz, Allen & Hamilton and Booz & Company for over 20 years, and held a number of leadership roles within the company while also serving on their Board of Directors. He went on to serve as Senior Vice President and President of Automotive at Sears Holdings Corporation.

In 2011, he joined Johnson Controls, in the roles of Executive Vice President of Operations and Innovation; President of Automotive Electronics & Interiors; and Executive Vice President of Corporate Development. He was also previously President of the company’s Building Efficiency business.

Jackson currently holds the title of Vice President and President of Global Products, Building Technologies & Solutions with the company. He is globally responsible for all building products and their indirect channels, including product development, engineering, manufacturing and procurement for the company’s Buildings business.

In addition to his Illinois degrees, Jackson holds an MBA from the University of Chicago. He has been on a number of Board of Directors, including Metadyne Performance Group and Cincinnati Milacron, and he serves as on the Engineering Board of Visitors at the University of Illinois.

He will be formally recognized at the college’s award ceremony on April 7.


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This story was published March 5, 2018.