Jackson Boyd Rumsey never thought she’d spend nearly two decades at The University of Alabama — one opportunity simply followed another, again and again.
Rumsey, now Assistant Vice President for Presidential Operations at UA, started in the Office of Special Events as an office associate — the entry-level role in the department she would eventually help lead. Six months later, she was promoted to coordinator. Nineteen years later, she has held every position the office offers.
“I never thought this would turn into a two decade career,” Rumsey said.
An accidental beginning
Rumsey studied psychology at Ole Miss with a minor in Spanish, then spent a year in Washington, D.C., working as a marketing and PR coordinator for Bethesda Softworks before deciding to move closer to home. Her parents had a place in Tuscaloosa, where two of her younger sisters would still be in school, so that’s where she landed.
“I knew I didn’t want to go [back to Enterprise] as a 22-year-old,” Rumsey said. She drove from D.C. to Tuscaloosa, found an opening for an office associate at the university and applied.
“I’m very grateful for the people who believed in me then and hired me,” she said.
What began as a temporary landing spot turned into a calling. Rumsey worked closely with university leadership from the start, including then-President Dr. Robert Witt, and found that the work suited her in ways she hadn’t expected. Nineteen years later, she still works alongside Ray Taylor, a colleague who started at UA the very same day she did.
“I thought I’d be here two years and then I’d move on,” she said. “But I’m so grateful this is the journey that was selected for me, because I know I’m exactly where I need to be.”
A moment 19 years in the making
When asked about a career highlight, Rumsey didn’t hesitate.
At this year’s commencement, University of Alabama President Dr. Peter Mohler asked his executive staff to sit on stage, something Rumsey had never done despite years of helping run graduation from behind the scenes.
The moment happened to fall on her 19th work anniversary.
“Sitting there and watching these graduates cross the stage, and seeing their emotion — knowing the hard work and sacrifice and perseverance, not only from them but from their families cheering them on — it was probably one of the most significant moments I’ve had in my career here,” Rumsey said. “It really made me realize that we all play a role in contributing to student success.”
Family, faith and ‘The Boydettes’
Rumsey grew up in Enterprise, Alabama, one of four sisters known locally as “The Boydettes” — a nickname coined by her godmother. Her parents ran small businesses while raising all four daughters, an example of hard work Rumsey said has stuck with her ever since.
“My family has always taught that every person matters,” she said. “Work hard, treat people well, stay humble, and remember that success is measured by your impact on others.”
That philosophy, she said, extends to everyone — “whether it’s the trash person or the CEO.”
Rumsey also credits her 10 nieces and nephews, ranging from ages 3 to 17, as her biggest source of motivation.
“They have given me a sense of purpose unlike anything else,” she said. “Even during difficult days, knowing that they are watching — and that being an example matters for them — has helped keep me going.”
Staying in Tuscaloosa brought Rumsey more than a career, it’s also where she met her husband.
“Ultimately, sticking around here for 19 years brought me the greatest gift,” Rumsey said. “So I have to give that to the university, too, for keeping me here. He’s my biggest cheerleader.”
Investing in the next generation of women
Rumsey has watched the number of women in UA student leadership grow substantially over her tenure. When she started at the university in 2007, only six women had ever served as SGA president. Since then, she has personally worked alongside six more.
“That is a testament to growing the leadership roles of women here at the Capstone,” Rumsey said.
In 2023, Rumsey was tapped into The XXXI, the university’s premier women’s honorary, and in 2025 she was asked to serve as an advisor for the group.
“My jaw was on the floor at what all these women do,” she said of getting to know the honorees. “They span all over campus and are leaders in their own right.”
Rumsey also helped plan UA’s “125 Years of Women” celebration, an event that highlighted trailblazers like Dr. Judy Bonner, UA’s first female president; Karen Brooks, the first female president pro tempore of the Board of Trustees and 2024 Women of Impact honoree; and legendary gymnastics coach Sarah Patterson.
Looking ahead, Rumsey said she hopes the next generation of women leaders at UA will continue paying it forward.
“I want to see everyone continue to invest back into each other and strengthen each other,” she said.
Making an impact
For Rumsey, leadership and impact are ultimately about the people left behind in any room she leaves.
“Making an impact is being able to make a room better when you walk out of it,” she said. “Whether it’s bringing a smile to someone’s face or giving someone positive feedback — I think making a positive impact on others is ultimately the impact for me.”
