Saying that James Jackson, coordinator of multicultural services, is excited would be an understatement.

The fact that he booked Omarosa Manigault Stallworth as the keynote speaker for this year’s Black Issues Conference has made Jackson thrilled.

“I was laughing for two weeks,” Jackson said. “I couldn’t stop saying, ‘We’re bringing Omarosa!'”

Part of the reason Omarosa is such a catch is because nearly everyone knows who she is.

For those who are unaware of the famed black bombshell, she became a household name after appearing as a contestant on NBC’s “The Apprentice.” She was noticed for her drive, her confidence and her attitude. She seems to be the perfect woman to speak at the conference titled “Money, Power and Respect.”

However, her reality TV experiences is just a single flair on Omarosa’s resume.

She previously served as Director of Education and Research for the National Visionary Leadership Projects and as Deputy Associate Director of Presidential Personnel at the White House.

Her services were also valued when she served as the Senior Scheduling and Advance Coordinator to Vice-President Al Gore.

She also served as a liaison to the office of Legislative Affairs for the scheduling office, interacting with Members of Congress on the Vice President’s behalf. She also volunteered her time at Gore 2000 and Clinton 2000 where she was an active member of the national African American Steering Committee.

Jackson said they originally wanted to book a politician, but everyone they had in mind was way out of their budget.

“Omarosa was a great idea because not only do people know her face from ‘The Apprentice,’ but she has an actual background in business and politics,” Jackson said.

Fortunately, budgeting Omarosa was no major hassle. She was already booked to speak at OSU on Thursday. Since she was already in the area, Omarosa agreed to visit Bowling Green.

Jackson said he wasn’t 100 percent sure what her speech will be on but he knows that she usually talks about reality TV and her experience on “The Apprentice.” She also speaks about her background in business and politics, he said.

Besides bringing her expertise, Omarosa will also be bringing another valuable contribution — controversy.

“Who better to bring to a college campus where we encourage debate and the exchange of ideas than someone who is controversial,” Jackson said.

It is no secret that Omarosa has her share of problems and is known by some people as being difficult. But Jackson thinks this will just add to the excitement.

Despite Omarosa’s reputation for having a bad attitude, Jackson believes has talent and the potential to become even greater.

She is currently completing her dissertation at Howard University and she aspires to serve as a political commentator and to use her intelligence in the constant political debate in America.

Sharonda Glover, president of the Black Student Union, is looking forward to hearing Omarosa speak.

“This year is different because she is a woman and the previous speakers at the conferences have been men,” Glover said. “Having her here is going to be an interesting experience and fun.”

This year’s conference will include breakout sessions that will discuss different issues relation to the theme, “Money, Power and Respect,” a luncheon.

People can contact the center for Multicultural Academics and Initiatives offices for more information.