Jacqueline Dejean

Assistant Dean of Research for the School of Arts and Sciences
Assistant Dean, Diversity & Inclusion, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Jacqueline (Jackie) Dejean assumed the roles of assistant dean of diversity  and inclusion (ADDI) in August 2019 and assistant dean of research (ADR) in 2017. As ADDI for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences she engages the GSAS community in the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives benefitting the arts and sciences graduate student community. In her capacity as ADR she is tasked with advancing the strategic research agenda of the school of arts and sciences including program development to achieve strategic goals. She has been launching new programs furthering that mission, most notable of which is the VERSE Program. 

Previously, she held positions as director of research affairs and medical college associate vice president of grants and research. She has spent over 25 years in the field of research administration at teaching, research, and medical institutions. She has a long history of civic engagement around diversity and inclusion. She completed her doctorate in law and policy at Northeastern University. She holds an A.B. from Brown University, an MBA from Canyon College, and an MA in organizational psychology from William James College (formerly the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology). 

What motivated you to become the ADDI for your unit/area/school?

Through my experience in research administration I became aware of the power of a research experience to open doors of opportunity for students. Unfortunately, marginalized students are least likely to access these opportunities.  For years federal agencies have made integration of historically marginalized populations into research, academia, and industry careers a priority. I wanted to move the needle on research participation by marginalized groups. And I created the Visiting and Early research Scholars Experience Program (VERSE) in 2017. When the ADDI opportunity in GSAS was communicated to me in 2019, I saw a chance to create a more inclusive research environment for our students. Since assuming the position, I have broadened my vision beyond research and scholarship to work towards improving the quality of the experience of all Tufts GSAS community members especially those who have been marginalized by our systems and structures.

What are the biggest D&I initiatives you are working on right now?

In Arts and Sciences I have been really fortunate to work with two other A&S ADDIs, Barbara Brizuela and Nandi Bynoe. Together we co-chair the development for the DEIJ Strategic Plan. The DEIJ Strategic Planning Committee’s work will launch A&S efforts to transform our school. In addition, GSAS launched an admissions review and curricular examination to change how we recruit new students and retain current students. Working with the CDO’s office, CELT and my colleagues in GSAS, I expanded our graduate development workshop offerings to include DEIJ topics. In August 2021, GSAS will implement the Graduate Leadership in Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Program (GLIDE) that will focus on DEIJ skills related to creating an inclusive workplace. These are just some of the highlights.