Challen Jackson was named assistant coach for the UIC men's and women's track & field teams in July 2023. She primarily works with sprinters and jumpers and assists with the Flames' recruiting efforts.
"We are excited to welcome Challen to the UIC track & field program," Zavala said. "Challen has been part of several successful programs throughout her coaching career and has proven her ability to develop student-athletes to reach their full potential. We look forward to having her help our student-athletes reach their goals and continue the growing success from our previous season."
Jackson came to UIC from Allegheny College, where she served as an assistant coach for the Gators' track & field and cross country programs this past season. During her time with Allegheny, the Gators won three Presidents' Athletic Conference championships in women's cross country, women's indoor track & field and women's outdoor track & field.
Prior to her successful stint at Allegheny, Jackson spent two seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater, North Central College. As a coach, Jackson helped the North Central women's track & field program claim the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) indoor and outdoor titles during the 2021-22 season.
As a student-athlete, Jackson competed in sprint events and the long jump for the Cardinals from 2017-19 and was part of North Central's 2019 CCIW outdoor track & field championship team. Jackson was also a member of the Cardinals' women's basketball program during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
A native of Byron, Ill., Jackson earned her bachelor's degree in exercise science and master's degree in sports leadership from North Central.
