Remembering James Jackson (1944-2020)
Dr. James S. Jackson, renown social psychologist and Daniel Katz Distinguished University Professor of Psychology, Emeritus, at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, passed away on September 1. A pioneer in national and international surveys of Black populations, Dr. Jackson dedicated his career to understanding racial and ethnic influences on life course among African Americans across the lifespan.
He was a recognized leader and advocate for the social and behavioral sciences, evidenced by his appointments to national leadership positions and committees, including several advisory councils of the National Institutes of Health, the Board of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education (DBASSE) at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, and countless others. He was appointed to the National Science Board by President Obama in 2014, on which he served for six years and chaired the Committee on External Engagement until earlier this year.
Dr. Jackson served as COSSA President in 2013-2014. “Despite his active research and teaching responsibilities and service on countless advisory bodies and committees, James continued to generously give of himself, his time and energy,” said COSSA Executive Director Wendy Naus. “As our President, James did not hesitate to offer his assistance to me as I tried to navigate being a new executive director in 2014. I am eternally grateful for having known James.”
Dr. Jackson left a lasting mark on social and behavioral science research and on COSSA. If you would like to leave a comment or remembrance, you may do so here.