Dr. Sheila Jacobs: A Journey of Joy and Leadership at ATU-Ozark
Let’s be real, a career in education? It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s demanding, it’s challenging, and some days, let’s just say you need an industrial-sized coffee just to make it to lunch. But for those who thrive on inspiring young minds, on nurturing potential, and on making a real difference, well, there’s no greater reward. And when it comes to living and breathing that spirit of joyful service in education, Dr. Sheila Jacobs, the newly minted Chancellor at ATU-Ozark, is in a league of her own.
A Celebration Well-Deserved: ATU-Ozark Welcomes its New Chancellor
The air crackled with excitement on an unforgetable evening in late May at the ATU-Ozark Student Services Conference Center. It wasn’t your typical end-of-the-semester gathering. Nope, this was a celebration, a momentous occasion to officially welcome Dr. Sheila Jacobs as the permanent Chancellor of ATU-Ozark. Jacobs, who had been crushing it as the interim chancellor throughout that whirlwind of a year, had officially been given the keys to the castle, so to speak, back in April. Dr. Russell Jones, ATU’s interim president, made the announcement, and let’s just say the ATU-Ozark community was stoked.
From Classroom to Corner Office: A Leader in Action
Dr. Jacobs isn’t just a leader because it says so on her snazzy new business cards. This is a woman who has been a force in education for years, racking up a list of accomplishments that would make even the most seasoned administrator do a double-take.
Accreditation Guru and Champion of Academic Excellence
Remember those nail-biting accreditation visits everyone stresses out about? Well, Dr. Jacobs was the one leading the charge, making sure programs like nursing (because the world needs more awesome nurses, amirite?), collision repair (gotta love those folks who can make a dented fender disappear!), and automotive service technology (keeping our cars running smoothly since, well, forever!) met the highest standards. And if that wasn’t enough, she also spearheaded the re-accreditation efforts for programs in human services (talk about a heart of gold!), cardiac sonography (those sound waves don’t interpret themselves!), and emergency medical services (because when seconds count, these heroes are there!).
But Dr. Jacobs wasn’t content with just checking boxes and dotting i’s. She was all about pushing the envelope, constantly asking, “How can we make this even better?” That’s why she initiated comprehensive reviews for programs in business technology (gotta keep up with the digital age!), law enforcement (keeping our communities safe!), computer information technology (can anyone say “cybersecurity heroes”?), welding (sparking innovation, literally!), logistics management (the unsung heroes of getting stuff done!), and automation (robots, anyone?).
Raising the Bar: Assessments and Career Coaching
Dr. Jacobs is all about that data, about using those numbers to tell a story, to pinpoint areas where things are humming along and where there’s room to grow. That’s why she championed new assessment initiatives, because let’s face it, assessment gets a bad rap sometimes, but it’s all about making sure students are truly learning and thriving. And speaking of thriving, Dr. Jacobs was also the mastermind behind the “Ready for Life K-12” career coaching program. This wasn’t just some fluffy, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” kind of program. This was the real deal, helping students explore their passions, identify their strengths, and map out a path to a fulfilling career. And get this, she even secured a grant (a cool $441,774.50, no biggie) to expand those career coaching services to seventeen school districts and the Arkansas Tech Career Center. Talk about impact!
A Colleague’s Perspective: Richard Harris Sings Jacobs’ Praises
Now, we all know that actions speak louder than words, but sometimes, a heartfelt tribute from a colleague can really drive home just how special someone is. Enter Richard Harris, who had this to say about Dr. Jacobs: “Her work ethic is unmatched. Her commitment is unwavering. She embodies grace, dignity, and grit.” He went on to say that he’s “excited to see what the future holds for ATU-Ozark with her at the helm.”
Rooted in the Community, Reaching for the Stars
Dr. Jacobs isn’t some high-flying administrator who swooped in from parts unknown. She’s one of us, a proud Arkansas native who bleeds green and gold. She earned not one, not two, but *five* degrees from Arkansas Tech University (talk about dedication!). And let’s just say, her alma mater is pretty darn proud of her, bestowing upon her the Margaret Young Award in 1988 and the Jim Ed McGee Award in 2021.
From English Teacher to Educational Trailblazer
Dr. Jacobs’ journey in education began in the trenches, in the classroom, where she honed her craft as an English teacher at Russellville High School. She then took her talents to Clarksville High School, where she taught English and journalism, inspiring a new generation of wordsmiths and storytellers. But Dr. Jacobs wasn’t content to stay in one place for too long. She had a knack for leadership, for bringing people together and making things happen. This led her to leadership roles in the Lavaca and Russellville School Districts, where she focused on curriculum development and instruction, always pushing for innovation and excellence. And as if that wasn’t enough, she even found time to serve as an adjunct instructor at ATU’s Russellville campus because, why not share her passion for education with even more eager minds?
A Legacy of Leadership, Collaboration, and Joy
As Dr. Jacobs settles into her new role as Chancellor, she becomes the fourth person to hold this prestigious position at ATU-Ozark since the institution merged with Arkansas Tech University back in 2003. She’s following in the footsteps of some pretty big names – Carl Jones, Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, and Bruce Sikes – but something tells us she’s more than up to the challenge.
Building a Brighter Future for ATU-Ozark
When asked about her vision for the future of ATU-Ozark, Dr. Jacobs’ eyes light up with that characteristic blend of determination and joy. “It’s all about teamwork,” she says, “about creating a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.” She emphasizes the importance of fostering a true sense of family at ATU-Ozark, a place where students feel connected, faculty feel inspired, and staff feel appreciated. And of course, she’s deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the ATU-Ozark community, a community she knows and loves so well.
An Inspiration to Educators Everywhere
Dr. Sheila Jacobs’ story is a testament to the transformative power of education, not just for students, but for those who dedicate their lives to this noble profession. Her journey, marked by hard work, unwavering dedication, and an infectious joy for learning, serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring educators and seasoned veterans alike. As she embarks on this new chapter as Chancellor of ATU-Ozark, one thing is certain: Dr. Jacobs’ leadership, rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to student success, is poised to shape a brighter future for the institution and the community it serves.