Augustana understands the value and impact that historically marginalized people have on communities all over the world — recognizing that this university would not be the place it is without these students, faculty and staff. In the "At AU" series, the university aims to showcase these exceptional people so we can all hear their voices in an effort to foster positivity and create awareness of their experiences on campus.
For Juneteenth — a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans — Augustana is featuring Jen Jacobs, head coach of the AU Volleyball Program. Jacobs, a St. Paul, Minnesota, native, has served at Augustana since 2017. Along with coaching, she is the co-founder and co-owner of Inclusion Inroads, a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firm. Jacobs is one of this year’s featured speakers at the Sioux Falls Juneteenth Celebration.
Q: Do you have any other connections to Augustana?
A: I was recruited here back in the late ‘90s by a former head coach, Kim Sudbeck. I even came on a college visit with the volleyball program!
Q: Is there anything you’re passionate about and/or activities you’re involved in outside of AU?
A: I love to read and anything having to do with being on a beach.
Q: What is it like for you to be Black at AU?
A: It depends on the day, but I feel one can say that about any predominantly white institution. For the most part, I navigate the same types of situations and happenings that anyone in a “minority” would navigate, but I also feel that Augustana is and continues to make a concerted effort to be ahead of the curve in regards to addressing the needs of diverse staff, faculty and students. We’ve all worked very hard, particularly in recent years, to make sustainable change in the diversity and inclusion (D&I) arena. I see the momentum and shift in behaviors and attitudes, and it's exciting!
Q: Have you been involved with any Black-centered initiatives at AU or outside of the university? If so, which ones and why?
A: Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to speak and offer my expertise in a plethora of organizations and conferences. My favorite so far was speaking on health equity as it relates to intercollegiate athletics for the Pac-12 (Pacific-12 Conference).
Q: What does it mean to you to be one of Sioux Falls Juneteenth’s speakers? Can you give us a preview of your speech?
A: Well, for one, it's entirely an honor. I have personally struggled with my own identity within the shades of Blackness throughout my waking life, so when I was asked to speak, I was initially taken aback. Once the surprise subsided, I’ve been thinking lately about how my identity journey has impacted me and others whom I’ve come in contact with over the years. I haven’t finished my speech yet; it's percolating in my head as I write this…but I imagine it will circle around identity, acceptance and love.
Q: Is there anyone at AU who inspires you?
A: Honestly, I am inspired daily by the student-athletes and students I work closely with. Do you know that we have so many athletes who devote SO MUCH time to their sport, but ultimately they are our future doctors, nurses, CEOs and world leaders? It's pretty cool I get to work with the next generation who, in my opinion, are way more loving, caring, self-adjusted, self-reliant, motivated and high achieving than I ever was at their age. Now that my husband and I have a 4-year-old, it makes me hopeful for our future — that there are people behind us who will take care of the world and the generation after them. Plus, they keep me young!
To learn more about the "At AU Series," visit augie.edu/AtAU.