WCU Spring 2025 Magazine

Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” Hodes
Honored with
KEEPERS OF THE FLAME AWARD

Pictured at the Keeper of the Flame Award ceremony on campus are (L-R) Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, president; Dr. Jackie Hodes, honoree and HEPSA department chair; and Dr. Tracey Robinson, vice president for the Division for Access, Compliance, and Engagement.

 

Transformational leader, advocate, ally, teacher, scholar, advisor, and compassionate colleague are words that many use to describe Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” Hodes, professor and chair of the University’s Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs (HEPSA) department.

Dr. Hodes has been honored with the 2024 Keepers of the Flame Award from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). This award recognizes an individual from each of the 14 State System universities for their contributions to creating and promoting diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments that cultivate a sense of belonging.

“No one does this work alone and I am grateful to my wonderful colleagues and friends who continue to support me and work with me to put students at the center of our work,” said Dr. Hodes in her acceptance speech. “Of course, none of the work is possible without you, the students: You trust us, depend on us, and expect us to be forward thinking and strategic, to create places and spaces where all can thrive. I have been honored to engage in this challenging yet life-affirming work at a place I have called home for 38 years.”

Dr. Hodes started her career at WCU in 1986 in Student Affairs as the director of alcohol and drug education. For 18 years, she served as the inaugural coordinator for LGBTQIA services. As an administrator, Dr. Hodes served in many different capacities including director of the wellness center and the assistant to the vice president for student affairs. She has had experience in student conduct, orientation, new student programs, student learning outcomes assessment, fundraising and development, and many other areas in student affairs. She has led initiatives for first-generation college students and students of color at the undergraduate and graduate level.

A Certified Strengths (Gallup) Facilitator, Dr. Hodes has served as the faculty advisor to the Graduate Student Association and is the advisor to Chi Sigma Alpha, an honor society for graduate students in student affairs and higher education programs. She serves on several University committees including the Faculty Senate, Graduate Council, the Promotion and Tenure Workshop, and the Moonshot for Equity Advisory Board.

No one does this work alone and I am grateful to my wonderful colleagues and friends who continue to support me and work with me to put students at the center of our work.

 

She is a recipient of the WCU Civility Award (2005), the WCU Legacy of Leadership Award (2013), and an advising award from students.

Dr. Hodes’ scholarship includes both writing and presentations on understanding the professional identity development of student affairs practitioners, graduate student success, creating change via collaboration in higher education, civility on college campuses, and strengths-based leadership and practice.