Every month the Administrative/Professional (A/P) Council highlights an A/P staff member through a series of questions as another way for the Illinois State community to connect. This month readers can get to know Terry Jackson, academic advisor and coach for TRIO.
What are your responsibilities in this role?
TRIO academic advisor and coach, providing holistic support through graduation for first-generation and low-income students through advising, programming, and student development activities.
How long have you been an employee at ISU?:
Almost a year and a half as a full-time employee.
What do you love most about working at ISU?:
The same thing I loved about ISU as a student…how compact of a campus we are, which allows for more possibilities of collaboration and opportunities to plug into all the great things happening on campus.
What is one fact about yourself that might surprise people?:
I coached football for two years at U-High.
When you’re not working, what are you most likely doing?:
Homework, exercising, cooking, or podcasting.
What is your favorite spot on campus?:
Tri-Towers. All the 12th floor lounges in the residence halls have great views and being able to be close to all the sports is unique to west campus. There is always some type of athletic activity going on in the area so there is always energy in the air.
What quote most inspires you? Why?:
“If you can’t fly, then run,
if you can’t run, then walk,
if you walk, then crawl,
but whatever you do,
you have to keep moving forward.”
This quote is special to me and inspires me because it reminds me that the major fights in life require constant progress, and while we might not be the ones to cross the finish line it is our job to keep moving our society forward whether that is in significant ways or small ones.
