In recent years, some of the more thoughtful, inspiring and progressive developments at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville have the fingerprints of Jessica Harris, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Historical Studies, all over it. That is according to Howard Rambsy, PhD, professor in the Department of English Language and Literature.
Harris will receive the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University faculty humanitarian award at SIUE’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 17 in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom.
“Jessica has been a tireless advocate for students, providing them with extensive guidance and support on too many projects to easily count,” said Rambsy. “She has helped students make important progress both in their studies and in community work.”
Harris, also director of the interdisciplinary Black Studies program and Provost Fellow for Diversity and Inclusion, was nominated by Dr. Earleen Patterson, director of Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR).
“Dr. Harris has a commitment to standards of excellence in higher education, as well as to Dr. King’s values,” said Patterson. “She spreads messages of positivity, unity and change for the better throughout the University and to the greater community. Working alongside such a colleague as Dr. Harris has been an enriching experience. She is an invaluable asset to our University.”
“My daily prayer is that before I leave this earth, I have made someone’s life better and have made positive and constructive contributions to the communities in which I live and work,” said Harris. “My service, both on and off campus, is motivated by a belief that with God’s guidance, through love and with a heart of grace, I can make a difference.”
Since coming to the University more than six years ago, Harris said she has continued to work toward her goals, one of which is to encourage students to develop relationships across lines of differences and to help bridge those gaps among all people.
Specifically, Harris has introduced a pilot of the Sustained Dialogue (SD) program. SD is a five-stage social action model encouraging dialogue across differences as a curricular and co-curricular program.
“I cannot wait to see the impact SD will have on our campus, once it’s fully integrated into our curriculum,” she said.
“Jessica is really one of the key movers and shakers on campus,” said Rambsy. “She has been one of our most trusted colleagues. Faculty, staff and students respect her, and value her many contributions. We all know we can depend on her to go above and beyond, when it comes to various campus projects.”
Harris has also been involved in activism off the Edwardsville campus. A few examples include:
• A counselor with the East St. Louis Community Camp, to help urban youth develop self-respect and appreciation for the world around them
• Part of the Street Ministry at Faith Church in St. Louis, helping to pass out snack packs to the homeless in downtown St. Louis
• Community service work with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Photo: Jessica Harris, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Historical Studies, will receive the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University faculty humanitarian award at SIUE’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 17 in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom.