2021 Recipient
Arriving at UNO as history faculty in 1966, Dr. Jacqueline St John was a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion. Her university service record and CV illustrate her tireless dedication to equity and inclusion efforts, both on campus and in the Omaha community.
In the early 70s, Dr. St John became one of the first UNO faculty to offer womens studies courses, an innovation she found herself campaigning for to colleagues and students alike. In 1974, she led and facilitated a symposium entitled “A Sampler in Women’s Studies,” where panelists discussed “Why Women’s Studies” were necessary; through such events, Dr. St John regularly brought equity and inclusion issues to the forefront of campus leadership’s attention.
Dr. St John’s dedication to equity extended beyond the borders of UNO and into the broader Omaha community, where she served as the Founding President of the Omaha Chapter of the National Organization of Women, Board member of Omaha Business and Professional Women’s Club, Delegate to the National Archives, and Founding member of the National Women’s Studies Association.
A powerful testament to Dr. St John’s sustained activism, an account of her professional publications and presentations reveals a steady stream of articles on topics of feminism and equity. Her efforts have also been recognized with numerous accolades including the Outstanding Achievement Award from UNO Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women and in the Durham Museum exhibit “Women in Omaha: A Biographical Sketch of Persistence Through History.”
Dr. St John was an unfaltering advocate, responsibly using her academic influence, community involvement, and professional activities to advance issues of gender equity in her communities. Her efforts are truly worthy of recognition with the UNO Legendary Leader Award.
Dr. St John’s advice to students in her own words: “Go do it! And don’t be limited. Failure, the mantra is from Susan B. Anthony, failure is impossible and the only limitation you face you place on yourself. Once you don’t have those, you’re free! You’re free, you’re truly free.” (St John, 2017, 89:11)
We are so proud to recognize Jacqueline St John for her pioneering contributions to the UNO and Omaha community.
Audio clip courtesy of UNO Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections.