Iowa State University Selects Jerlando Jackson for Alumni Achievement Award

October 25, 2017

Iowa State University’s College of Human Sciences has selected Jerlando F. L. Jackson, professor of higher education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, for its 2017 Alumni Achievement Award. This honor recognizes meritorious service and distinguished achievements in fields such as business and industry, education, family and consumer sciences, and health. It is the highest alumni distinction awarded by the college.

Since 2000, Jackson has served on faculty at the UW–Madison School of Education.  He is the Vilas Distinguished Professor of Higher Education and the director and chief research scientist of Wisconsin’s Equity and Inclusion (Wei) Laboratory, part of the Wisconsin Center for Education Research. As director of the Wei Lab, he manages the Innovation Incubator, National Study of Intercollegiate Athletics and International Colloquium on Black Males in Education. 

Jackson’s research focuses on hiring practices, career mobility, workforce diversity and workplace discrimination in higher education.  He also studies interventions designed to broaden participation for underrepresented groups in the scientific workforce.          

His nominators describe him as “a preeminent scholar in research on workforce diversity and workplace discrimination in higher education” and “a mentor to countless emerging scholars of color.” They note he is the author of more than 100 publications and the recipient of more than $10 million in external funding, as well as a dedicated advocate for improving the education of at-risk groups in general and minority populations. 

One nominator makes note of Jackson’s “quiet dedication that is just there all the time—not grounded in the politics of self-aggrandizement but humanity.”

It is not the first time Jackson has been recognized by his alma mater. In 2004, he received the Outstanding Young Professional Award from Iowa State University’s School of Education, and in 2012, he earned a similar award from the Iowa State Alumni Association.

He received his Ph.D. in higher education in 2000 from Iowa State University, is a life member of the Alumni Association and a member of the Order of the Knoll (President’s Circle).

Originally from Fort Benning, GA, Jackson also holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Southern Mississippi and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Auburn University.

Iowa State University presents five awards each year to individuals who make an impact every day by advancing the vision of the College of Human Sciences. According to the university’s news release, “Whether working in schools, universities or non-profit organizations, these individuals expand human potential and improve people's lives.”