Dani Jackson Named College of Engineering Employee of the Quarter

Photo by Tina Paul

Dani Jackson with Dean Kim Needy.

Dani Jackson has been named College of Engineering employee of the quarter for the third quarter of fiscal 2023 with various nominations from faculty and staff.

Jackson is the marketing and communications specialist reporting to Jia Di, department head for Computer Science and Computer Engineering.

The award recognizes staff who play an integral role in the College of Engineering's daily routines.

Jackson's nomination was compiled from several different faculty and staff who wrote anonymously.

"This nominee has created 'connectedness' in our department," one faculty member said. "Perhaps nowhere else on campus is it as difficult as in our department. Our student population is large, which can feel intimidating and isolating to students. Our students tend to be more online, which can further lead to this isolation. Instead of shying away from these challenges, the nominee met the students where they were. Creating engaging social media stories, hosting events, showcasing students and finding ways to humanize the faculty to students are among the ways the candidate has created this connectedness."

In addition to her passion for community, Jackson elevates the department through marketing strategies.

"The nominee's work has helped showcase the department's strengths and achievements, increase awareness of our department and its impact on society, and reach out to wider audiences to inspire our current and future students," said another anonymous faculty member in computer science and computer engineering.

The faculty in computer science and computer engineering said Jackson has made tremendous strides in improving the department's work environment.

"The nominee has been creative in coming up with activities to build community in the department and hard-working in organizing them and bringing about their successes," another faculty member said. "This has had a noticeably positive impact on not only the students, but also the faculty and staff."