Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Interests
Websites
Timeline
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Laura Jackson

Laura Jackson

Faculty
Berrien Springs,MI

Summary

Dynamic, inspirational, and supportive leader with a proven track record in excelling in classroom engagement and course design. Spearheaded collaborative partnerships, enhancing interdisciplinary learning and student success. Skilled in public speaking and instructional leadership, I've significantly contributed to academic excellence and professional growth, fostering innovative teaching strategies and strong community ties.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Academic Director, Communications

Holy Cross College
09.2024 - Current
  • Created and developed the curriculum for the new communication major.
  • Collaborated with other departments on campus-wide initiatives to promote interdisciplinary learning experiences for students.
  • Supported student success outside the classroom through regular advising sessions focused on academic progress, career planning, and personal growth.
  • Established partnerships with local businesses to provide experiential learning opportunities for students, strengthening their skillsets and professional networks.
  • Collaborated with faculty members to design interdisciplinary courses that broadened student perspectives and enriched their educational experience.
  • Guided the International Student Club as a faculty advisor, enhancing cross-cultural communication and collaboration.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by regularly soliciting feedback from students, faculty members, and other stakeholders.


Business, English, Biology Faculty

Holy Cross College
07.2023 - Current
  • Enhanced student understanding by incorporating real-world examples and case studies into lessons.
  • Continually refined personal teaching style through participation in conferences, seminars, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
  • Organized field trips and guest speaker events to supplement classroom instruction with real-life experiences related to course topics.
  • Assessed student performance through regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles within the classroom.

Adjunct Faculty, Biology

Holy Cross College
07.2020 - Current
  • Delivered comprehensive lectures in physical science and chemistry to non-science major students transferring to the University of Notre Dame.
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
  • Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives.
  • Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.

Adjunct Instructor

Saint Mary's College
06.2021 - 06.2022
  • Delivered marine biology lectures to more than 100 undergraduate students.
  • Strengthened critical thinking skills through problem-solving exercises and open-ended questions.
  • Consistently communicated with students to acknowledge and reward positive strides and discuss areas of improvement.

Counselor

Women's Care Center - Nonprofit Organization
06.2019 - 06.2020
  • Assisted more than 150 clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.

Owner/Board Member

West Michigan Tool & Die, Inc.
01.2016 - 05.2019
  • Guided the negotiations and final preparations for the successful sale of the parent company and subsidiary to private equity in 2018.
  • Directed payroll, accounts payable/receivable, tax preparation, human resources, marketing, and insurance management for a $2.5 million manufacturing company.
  • Migrated data seamlessly between two accounting software programs.
  • Led negotiations for major contracts, securing favorable terms that significantly reduced costs.

Associate Professor

Indiana University South Bend
08.2002 - 12.2002
  • Instructed public speaking course, enhancing students' communication skills.

Vice President Sales & Marketing

New Age/Landmark, Inc.
01.1998 - 08.2002
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
  • Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
  • Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized profitability while mitigating risks for the organization.
  • Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
  • Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
  • Authored and published two articles in the Journal of Environmental Regulation and Permitting: Business-Friendly Environmentalism” and “Southwestern Michigan Says ‘Yes’ to Brownfield Redevelopment” (copies available).

Education

Master of Arts - Journalism (Environmental Science Emphasis)

Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL
06-1996

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
05-1994

Skills

  • Collaborative partnerships
  • Teaching excellence
  • Instructional leadership
  • Course design
  • Excellent communication
  • Public speaking
  • Educational leadership

Affiliations

  • Member, Marketing Educators' Association

Interests

  • Strengthening relationships with God, family, friends, coworkers
  • Physical fitness and wellness
  • Personal development and self-improvement
  • Skiing
  • Swimming

Timeline

Academic Director, Communications

Holy Cross College
09.2024 - Current

Business, English, Biology Faculty

Holy Cross College
07.2023 - Current

Adjunct Instructor

Saint Mary's College
06.2021 - 06.2022

Adjunct Faculty, Biology

Holy Cross College
07.2020 - Current

Counselor

Women's Care Center - Nonprofit Organization
06.2019 - 06.2020

Owner/Board Member

West Michigan Tool & Die, Inc.
01.2016 - 05.2019

Associate Professor

Indiana University South Bend
08.2002 - 12.2002

Vice President Sales & Marketing

New Age/Landmark, Inc.
01.1998 - 08.2002

Master of Arts - Journalism (Environmental Science Emphasis)

Southern Illinois University

Bachelor of Arts - Journalism

Michigan State University
Laura JacksonFaculty