Nekiya Jackson, M.S.

Victoria earned a Master's degree in Public and Administration and an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies, She also earned two minors in Women and Gender Studies and Political Science, as well certificates in Speech Writing, and Conflict Resolution, all from Southern Utah University. They have worked in helping professions for 10 years, with experience in the nonprofit sector and higher education. She describes her work history as social work adjacent, and includes volunteer coordination, program development and directing, crisis intervention, and case management. Their approach to student services is grounded in community building. This starts by honoring the agency and wisdom of the students they work with; providing students compassionate and empathetic services when they are making important decisions for their present and their future. She believes that her role is to hold space for students whose lives have been altered in various ways, whether it is through a change in path, a personal crisis, or trying to navigate challenging systems. In creating that space for students, they hope that students will feel seen, listened to, and connected with; a core piece of building community. When she isn't in the office, Victoria spends their time fostering animals from the shelter their partner works at, attempting new creative endeavors, reading, or most likely eating, which is her greatest passion.