Dr. Winsome Jackson Honored with 2021-22 Hayward Award for Excellence in Education for the California Community Colleges

March 22, 2022
Dr Winsome Jackson
Dr Winsome Jackson

Sierra College political science professor Dr. Winsome Jackson was honored with 2021-22 Hayward Award for Excellence in Education for the California Community Colleges. Sponsored annually by the Foundation for California Community Colleges, this award honors community college full-time and part-time faculty who demonstrate the highest level of commitment to their students, college, and profession.

In receiving the award, Dr. Jackson thanked her colleagues for their nomination, the academic senate for their support, and the selection committees and Board of Governors for their recognition. She then shared, “My vision for Sierra College is to align resources to its action plans which will demonstrate a true commitment to removing systemic and institutional barriers so we can close equity gaps and improve overall student success.”  Dr. Jackson also stated that “she has been involved in equity work for over 35 plus years in education, and it’s been her goal to dismantle structural and institutional racism and close equity gaps to allow each and every student the best opportunity for success.” 

Award recipients, nominated by their college academic senate and selected by representatives of the Academic Senate must have a record of outstanding performance of professional activities, as well as a record of active participation on campus. 

“This honor is a testament to Dr. Jackson’s commitment and dedication to Sierra College. During her career she has dedicated herself in the service and empowerment of historically underrepresented students,” said Willy Duncan, Sierra College’s Superintendent/President. “Her commitment to their success has made her a beloved faculty member and her colleagues have expressed the same appreciation for her. She has mentored countless faculty in her department, and I know firsthand that she never turns away a student or faculty member that is in need.”

Award recipients, nominated by their college academic senate and selected by representatives of the Academic Senate must have a record of outstanding performance of professional activities, as well as a record of active participation on campus. The award may be presented to four (two part-time, and two full-time) faculty members per year. Three were recognized this year and as remarked by Dolores Davison, president of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, during Women’s History Month, all this year’s recipients were women. 

Dr. Jackson, who will be retiring at the end of the academic year following 25 years at Sierra College, was honored at a California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting on March 21, 2022 and concluded her remarks with, “I encourage more members of the community to not treat equity as a garnish, but to recognize that it is the main ingredient in everything we do, not only for students but all employees.”

About Sierra College

Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3200 square miles of Northern CA with campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu