President Ross and Sherry Jackson
By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
Alabama State University alumna and current doctoral candidate, Sherry Jackson, has been named a Fulbright Scholar (Fulbright) by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which oversees the program's operations throughout the world.
Jackson earned her master’s degree in biology from ASU in 2021 and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy and Law at her beloved alma mater Alabama State University.
A native of Selma, Alabama, Jackson has been a sixth-grade Life Sciences teacher at her hometown’s Clark Elementary School since January of 2024.
"I am beyond excited, and I am looking forward to leaving on April 3 for Morocco as I begin this great educational adventure within the Fulbright Program experience, where I will work and study in its fabled towns of Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh," Jackson stated. "I have a lot of people to thank for their advice, encouragement and thoughtfulness, and chief among them includes all of the leaders, faculty and staff of The Alabama State University...College of Education, and those involved in its prestigious Educational Leadership, Policy and Law doctoral program. They are the kind of educators and individuals that I aspire to be one day."
FULBRIGHT BOARD CHAIR CONGRATULATES JACKSON
Jackson was notified of her selection in a letter from Donna Brazile, the chairwoman of the Fulbright program.
"The United States Department of State - which oversees Fulbright Program operations throughout the world - joins the Fulbright Board in congratulating you. We hope your Fulbright experience will be deeply rewarding professionally and personally, and that you will share the knowledge and experience you gain with many others throughout your life," Brazile commented in Jackson’s notification letter.
Brazile further explained that the Fulbright program’s goal of developing international understanding depends on Jackson and others in her cohort to represent the nation across the globe to establish open communications and long-term cooperative relationships with their host nations.
"As a Fulbright participant and a representative of the United States, Ms. Jackson will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with international partners in educational, political, cultural, economic, and scientific fields in the North African nation of Morocco,"
Brazille stated. "We also hope that she will engage her local community while on her Fulbright exchange and in so doing, exemplify the qualities of service, leadership, and excellence that have been the hallmarks of this Program since it began decades ago."
ABOUT SHERRY JACKSON
Jackson’s selection for the prestigious Fulbright Scholars program was based on her impeccable educational background and her research in the area of STEM education.
With 12 years of experience in education, Jackson has made a lasting impact on her students in the areas of STEM and robotics. Her many accolades include:
- Participation in the N.S.F.'s AU Research Experiences for Teachers Fellow 2024 Summer Program.
- Playing pivotal role in Selma's Clark Elementary School's recognition as a Top 10 Most Improved School.
- Utilizing data analysis to assess student performance.
- Leading instructional planning to integrate STEM curriculum of her school.
- Leading her students in receiving national recognition for their accomplishments in STEM-related competitions.
Jackson also is a published author, an in-demand lecturer, and a highly regarded STEM education advocate.
Her book is titled "My Struggle to the Call," which shares her journey of faith and her experiences in education.
GOAL OF SHARING FULBRIGHT EXPERIENCES
Jackson shared that she is eager to integrate the international insight she gains through her Fulbright Scholarship experience into her research and to help students both in Alabama and in Morocco.
"I will use this great opportunity presented to me by the Fulbright Scholarship Program to further shape policies that address teacher retention, standardized testing, and equity in education -- locally, statewide, nationally and globally — so we may ensure a lasting impact in the field of education and in lifting up our students so they may shine in school and in life," Jackson concluded.