Getting to Know You – Sara Jackson

Ever wonder what the Chief of Staff does in our College?

The Chief of Staff serves as a support for the Dean. The COS ensures that the many projects, meetings, information requests, and strategic initiatives all move forward to successful execution.

Meet Sara Jackson, CECS Chief of Staff. You’ve no doubt received an email from her, bumped into her in the halls, or have been lucky enough to see her smiling face.  Sara enjoys learning new things. “Serving in this position has provided plenty of opportunity for me to learn more, not just about the College, but about higher education frameworks.  I’m not terribly good at it, but I’m learning.”

Editor’s note:  She IS good at it!

Where is one of your favorite places that you have travelled?

SJ:  By the time I was eighteen, I had traveled to all fifty states, plus Mexico and Canada.  My dad travelled with his work, and I tagged along during the summers.  Thanks to him, I have had the joy of driving across the country on four different occasions. Some of my favorite places include Zion National Park and Lake Powell, Utah, and Knysna, South Africa.

What’s one thing about you that surprises people?

SJ:  In first place, I would say that in grad school, I studied sustainability, social justice, and systems of oppression, which included much research on imperialism and apartheid.  I also spent a memorable capstone month digging wells in Eastern Kentucky.

In second place, my vast knowledge of musicals often raises eyebrows.

What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee?

SJ:  Obviously, Jeff Goldblum. 

Do you have a pet and if so, what kind of pet do you have and what is its name?  Tell us a good pet story.

SJ:  I have three dogs, Snowball the Great Pyrenees, and Hazel & Hugh the corgis; one feral cat, Maya; nine hens and a rooster.  One of the chickens is named Mystery Flavor, because we don’t know her breed. 

Do you collect anything?

SJ:  I am an avid collect of many things. I possibly have over 13 complete sets of dishes.  I have numerous old irons, mule shoes, cookbooks, and tea trays.  I love old maps and local history, all of which is an offshoot of my key past-time, genealogy.

What advice would you give to someone in their 20s?

SJ:  My key piece of advice is, “Don’t take advice from old people.” And for the students of CECS especially, “Don’t forget to come by after graduation to let us know about your successes.  We will always welcome you ‘home’.”