As the father of five and grandfather of eight, the new dean of the Teachers College John Jacobson is hoping to prepare his students to make the world a better place for generations to come.
"I want to prepare educators who can go out and really make a difference in peoples' lives," Jacobson said.
Jacobson grew up in Utah and attended Brigham Young University where he earned his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Upon graduation, he began his career as an elementary school teacher and principal at Sage Creek and Westside Schools in Spanish Fork, Utah.
Jacobson moved on to higher education, with several different positions at the Texas Christian University, the University of Texas at Arlington Texas and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In 2003, Jacobson became the dean of the James I. Perkins College of Education, at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he served until he was named dean at Ball State.
"Jacobson is an outstanding leader with great leadership experience," Provost Terry King said. "He is a terrific person. We have high expectations for him."
Ball State was a prime opportunity for Jacobson, who has had interest in working with the institution for 19 years because of Ball State's great reputation.
"The Teachers College is in the top 100 of all educator preparation programs in the nation," Jacobson said. "It has a strong educator preparation presence not only in the state, but also nationally. It also has some international initiatives that are going on that are pretty exciting."
Jacobson is replacing Roy Weaver, who served as dean for the past 16 years. Weaver implemented many programs that Jacobson plans to continue to enhance and develop, including the international student-teaching program and the Electronic Field Trips (EFT) program, which gives both American and international students access to online field trips.
Jacobson is diligently working with faculty members to learn the many aspects of the department to continue its positive direction, but remains open to progressive changes.
"We will look for opportunities that will take us to new heights," Jacobson said. "As you bring people together and listen to each others' voices around whatever the issue, you always come out with a better product."
Jacobson has an "open door" policy with his students and faculty. He plans to institute advisory groups for enrolling and current students, and keep his door open for students to voice their opinions on programming within the department.
Jacobson encourages his students not only to make their voices heard, but to also dream big and aim high.
"Never give up," Jacobson said. "Have that inner desire to work on it."
Whether he is reading Harry Potter, playing with his grandchildren, scuba diving with his wife, riding his wave runner with his children or working diligently with his students, Jacobson pours his heart and desire into everything he does.
"I'm a hard worker and never make it home on time," Jacobson said. "I'm truly here to serve. I bring my heart and desire."
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