We were lucky to catch up with Jacqueline Edmondson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jacqueline, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?

When I was in graduate school, I was offered a position as a lecturer at a university in the Midwest. Accepting the position meant that I would need to move my family across the country, my husband would need to find a new job, and we would all need to adjust to living in a new place where we had no extended family or friends.

My graduate coursework was completed when the job offer came, and I was ABD (all but dissertation). My data was collected, and I had already begun to write. I discussed accepting the position and the challenges of finishing my Ph.D. with my dissertation adviser, and as the conversation ended, he looked at me and said “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” What I understood in that moment is that he believed I would finish my dissertation, and he knew I could do hard things. I carry that moment with me to this day. I know I can do hard things.

Jacqueline, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When I was 17 years old, I auditioned to be a piano performance major at Penn State University. A few days after the audition, Dr. Steven Smith extended an offer for me to join his piano studio. My life was forever changed.

As a first generation college student, I recognize the power of education to transform lives. I know full well the impact teachers like Dr. Smith can have as they open doors for students and help them to realize their dreams. As my career evolved from being a preschool and kindergarten teacher to becoming a university professor and college administrator, I remained committed to the idea that education transforms lives. I have worked on college access and affordability programs, programs to support first generation students, and fundraising that provides scholarships and other support to college students.

My work is very mission driven. I believe education is essential in our lives and necessary to the survival of democracy. I also remain very committed to the role of the arts and humanities in education. Our universities prepare better nurses, engineers, teachers, business people if they have meaningful experiences with the arts. And even in the darkest hours of human history, people found ways to create music, art, poetry, and more.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I approach my work with great humility. I also approach leadership through scholarship. I read, study, and think deeply about my work and the direction our University needs to go. It is an incredible privilege to work at a university. I am surrounded by faculty and staff who are top in their fields of study and bring commitments to sharing that information with their students. I am surrounded by students who are eager to learn and impact the world in positive ways. And we are all committed to generating new knowledge and ideas that will inform advances in sciences, business, education, the arts, and more. Our collective work is intended to improve lives and the human condition.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Some books are like old friends to me. They are on shelves in my office and home, and I find myself pulling them, sometimes just to read a sentence. Many are from my days in graduate school and include books on democracy, philosophy, and political theory.

I also find. inspiration from many fiction authors that include Barbara Kingsolver. Demon Copperhead is a recent favorite that I re-read as I think about how to engage rural youth in American society. When Demon’s friend Angus talks about going to college, he asks “Still though, who will her people be? College would change her. In due time, she wouldn’t come back.”

Another recent favorite is the book “Black Butterflies” by Priscilla Morris. It is a reminder of the importance of creating art while going through difficult times, and also a reminder of the power of teaching.

I also am currently reading as much as I can about the state of Maine. Living in a new place requires me to understand its history, people, and culture. I’m reading fiction about Maine written by Maine authors. When I travel to a new place, I also tend to read books by authors who are from the places I will visit.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: USM_President
• Linkedin: Jacqueline Edmondson

Image Credits

Mike Kmack (the image of me after conducting the USM band at the outdoor concert).

Head shot: Will Wohler

I’m not sure about the others. These were photos taken at different events at the University over the past year.