Some days, Barbara Jackson, Ph.D., plays with brightly colored blocks and shapes, while assessing an infant’s developmental progress. On other days, she meets with adults across the state to evaluate early childhood programs or writes grants for the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s education and child development program.
Each day, however, she makes a difference in the lives of children.
For her commitment and outstanding performance, Dr. Jackson, director of the department of education and child development at MMI, has received the Chancellor’s Gold ‘U’ Award for March. She also serves as associate professor in the department of pediatrics.
“It’s rewarding to make a difference in the lives of individual children or at the program level,” said Dr. Jackson, director of the department of education and child development at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute.
“She is constantly striving to be on the “cutting edge” of research in the areas of early childhood and special needs populations,” said one nominator. “With all that entails, she remains a warm, compassionate and effective supervisor. Working with Barb is always an exercise in creative and critical thinking, that makes work both challenging and rewarding.”
Another nominator said: “Barb works diligently for this department as well as the entire UNMC campus. She helps MMI stay on the cutting edge nationally writing innovative grants. She has brought certain communities throughout Nebraska (that historically operated somewhat independently) together by coordinating a program to benefit young children in the state (Developmental TIPS). Believe me, it was no small accomplishment.”
Said another nominator: “Barb has the unique ability to be very professional and approachable as a supervisor, while also remaining professional in every way. She is the kind of supervisor that sets a marvelous example by her work ethic and her tactfulness and diplomacy in dealing with families and difficult situations. Agencies from outside UNMC have utilized her talents for bringing together people to accomplish a common goal — whatever that goal may be. …She is an excellent ambassador for MMI and UNMC.”
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Job responsibilities: Coordinating education and early child development programs, completing clinical assessments on infants for pre-transplant evaluations, evaluating early childhood programs and writing and administering grant projects. Joined UNMC: Sept. 15, 1980 One day I’d like to: Spend more time traveling. At the same time, I’d like to do volunteer work in my area. Greatest personal achievement: raising two children and getting my Ph.D. (in developmental psychology). |
A native of Nebraska, Dr. Jackson earned her undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. When she joined UNMC in 1980, she worked with infants and toddlers with disabilities. She interrupted her career briefly to raise two children, then returned as coordinator and later director of the 10-member department.
Dr. Jackson’s myriad of responsibilities includes helping individuals across the state evaluate their early childhood programs. “I enjoy looking at the progress they’ve made and seeing how they can further grow and develop,” she said. “It’s fun to see another group’s light bulb click and see them improve. We also take time to celebrate what they’re doing. Often, we get so busy in our everyday activities that we don’t sit back and reflect or celebrate our successes.”
She also enjoys working with infants and toddlers and supporting and educating parents on their child’s growth and development. “We want to create a nurturing environment for all young children and help support parents,” she said. “There are lots of positive rewards.”
Meanwhile, she directs the Developmental TIPS (Tracking Infants Progress Statewide) project. Data collected from more than 1,400 infants in the neo-natal intensive care unit follow-up project helps service providers, policy makers and family members better meet the children’s needs. The three-year-old program, funded by the Nebraska Department of Education and the Nebraska Health and Human Services, enrolls children from seven hospitals across the state.
Dr. Jackson’s newest projects involve working with Nebraska’s Mental Health Task Force implementing the Real Choice System Change Grant, which gives the elderly, consumers and children with disabilities and chronic illnesses real choices regarding the services in their communities.
“With so many different projects, the biggest challenge is keeping on top of it all,” she said.
But, she does, thriving on intrinsic and extrinsic rewards found in a diverse, learning environment.
Dr. Jackson, who enjoys swinging golf clubs and tennis rackets, also does volunteer work for the Papillion Junior Women’s Club, gardens and reads fictional novels. She and her husband have two grown children.