The primary focus of the Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values is to cultivate an awareness throughout the academic and surrounding communities of the importance and lifelong rewards of personal and professional integrity. In order to achieve its goals, The Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values sponsors four cornerstones: Jackson Scholars, Jackson Junior Scholars, Jackson Visiting Ethicists, and the Jackson Resource Center. Through these cornerstones, the Jackson Center sponsors community events including the Tea & Ethics and Coffee & Ethics seminars and the Summer Ethics Academy.

     The Jackson Center was founded in 2004 as Coastal Carolina University celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Center is guided by a Director, an Assistant Director and a Board of Directors in order to recognize and celebrate the rich history and example of Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their family.

     The Jackson Center Board of Directors includes members of the Jackson Family, Coastal Carolina University faculty, and community members. The Board approves annual budgets, helps in the selection of topics to be discussed in the Center's programs, and assists in the selection of Jackson Scholars. The Board is also involved in the long-range planning of the Jackson Center.