The Civil Service Council will feature a Civil Service employee at Illinois State University each month to highlight an exceptional colleague and the outstanding work being done on campus. This month, learn about and applaud Department of Criminal Justice Sciences Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies and Student Services Jazmyn Thomas.
What is your position on campus and how long have you been with the University?
I serve as the coordinator of undergraduate studies and student services in the Criminal Justice Sciences Department. I first came to ISU as a graduate student in 2016, completing a master’s in college student personnel administration. Upon graduation, I began my advising career in University College in 2018.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I treasure the relational connections I have with students across campus. Witnessing students evolve during their time at ISU and become the people they were destined to be is a gift I am grateful to unwrap each academic year. Assisting them along their life journey is most rewarding.
What are your hobbies or favorite pastimes?
Writing and performing original spoken word pieces is a passion of mine. I also enjoy reading memoirs, taking solo travel trips, being silly with my 4-year-old nephew, and trying out foods from around the world.
What else would you like others to know about you or your time at ISU?
The manner in which I listen, love, and engage with students can largely be credited to the faith-filled Black women on and off campus who have taken me under their wings and given me advice that extends beyond my work and spills over into my life. All acknowledgement I receive on campus, I point back to them. You know who you are. Thank you.
More about Jazmyn Thomas from Donna Selman, department chair of Criminal Justice Sciences:
Ms. Jazmyn Thomas has a profound ability to understand student needs and works tirelessly to meet those needs, making her one of the best student advisors I have seen in more than 20 years in higher education. Moreover, she works to ensure that systems and programming that are proven effective are implemented on a much broader scale. She is the consummate professional and continuously seeks ways to enhance her professional skills. Jazmyn is the heart and soul of CJS student success and DEBI initiatives, and she does all of this while pursuing a master’s degree in social work. On a personal level, she brings and spreads joy throughout the fourth floor of Schroeder Hall. We are all so grateful to have her as a colleague.
