This is the first installment in a series featuring women who inspire at Ramapo College during Women’s History Month 

by Victoria Vuz ’24

As Women’s History Month unfolds this March, Dr. Indya Jackson emerges as a beacon of inspiration and dedication at Ramapo College. Acknowledged for her unwavering commitment to student success and her profound impact on cultivating awareness about women’s history and marginalized communities, Professor Jackson stands as a testament to the transformative power of education.

After joining Ramapo College in 2020 as an assistant professor of African American Literature, Dr. Jackson has exemplified a devotion to fostering inclusive learning environments where students thrive academically and personally. Through her innovative teaching methods, she ignites intellectual curiosity and instills a deep appreciation for the contributions of marginalized groups in history. Particularly in the literature courses she offers, such as, African American Literature, Gaming and Literature, Voices of Protest, Literature and the South, and Senior Seminar. 

At the heart of Professor Jackson’s pedagogy lies her unwavering belief in the importance of representation and inclusivity. Her courses delve into women’s pivotal roles in shaping societies and encourage students to critically analyze gender dynamics and the voices of marginalized communities through literature and media. 

“We live in scary times and it is no secret that there has been public backlash against diversity. It is important to push back against these new initiatives that try to silence diversified voices,” Dr. Jackson remarked. “It is crucial that students engage with diverse perspectives in order to gain empathy for other experiences.”

Beyond the confines of the classroom, Professor Jackson spearheads initiatives that discuss the banning of literature, particularly the banning of Black books. She noted, “African American literature is under attack. I want students to think about the way that there is a direct line between the history of disallowing African American people to read and the banning of their books today.”

In 2023, Professor Jackson was awarded a teaching fellowship by the Digital Ethnic Futures Consortium (DEFCon) in order to establish two digital humanities studies projects at Ramapo College. Through the School of Humanities and Global Studies, Professor Jackson offers senior seminar for English and Literary Studies majors to ask the guiding question of the course “How do marginalized communities use satire as a form of resistance?” Through this course, Professor Jackson hopes for students to “notice all authors discussed in the course come from different backgrounds but focus on the same outwards antagonism and same social factors, despite the different articulations that appear between them.” 

The second part of the project focuses on showcasing the assigned readings for the course in an online exhibit consisting of audio and visual materials. Materials utilized in the exhibit will range from audio recordings of authors reading assigned course materials or visual and audio art related to themes of the course. 

Dr. Jackson hopes that “the final project will create a resource that will live beyond the life of the class and students will walk away from class feeling proud they provided these resources.” 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Professor Jackson’s mentorship is her genuine investment in her students’ personal growth and development. She goes above and beyond to provide mentorship, guidance, and support, empowering her students to navigate challenges and pursue their aspirations with confidence. Through group work and peer-to-peer discussions, she encourages students to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and construct knowledge collaboratively.

“Professor Jackson truly cares about her students. She is always willing to help,” noted English major Laura Allen ’24. “I will definitely miss Professor Jackson after graduating this May.”

Central to Professor Jackson’s teaching methodology is the incorporation of interactive discussions, where students are encouraged to voice their interpretations and delve into the nuances of literary analysis. By creating a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, she empowers students to become active participants in their own education, fostering a sense of intellectual autonomy.

Moreover, Dr. Jackson places a strong emphasis on personalized mentorship and academic support, taking the time to provide constructive feedback, guidance, and encouragement to each student. With boundless enthusiasm and a genuine love for literature, she infuses her classes with energy, enthusiasm, and intellectual rigor, captivating students and igniting their imagination.

“Dr. Jackson is very helpful and incredibly knowledgeable about literature,” remarked Christina Feinroth ’24, an English and Literary Studies major. “Her class is so enjoyable. I wish I had taken more of her classes.”

Professor Jackson’s impact reverberates far beyond Ramapo College. Her unwavering dedication to education and her profound influence on students serve as a testament to the transformative power of inclusive and empowering pedagogy. Dr. Jackson’s commitment to excellence in teaching has not gone unnoticed, earning her admiration and respect from students, colleagues, and the wider academic community. Her innovative approach to English education serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging educators to reimagine the possibilities of student-centered learning and intellectual engagement.

Celebrate Women’s History Month on campus! 

Thursday, March 7, 1:00 – 3:00pm, Trustees Pavilion: International Women’s Day Celebration 

Wednesday, March 13, 6:00 p.m., Alumni Lounges (SC 156-158): Women in the Workplace Panel 

Thursday, March 28, 8:00 p.m., Adler Black Box Theatre: Vagina Monologues 

Thursday, March 28,  3:30 – 5:00 p.m., Friends Hall: Women’s HERstory Month Garden Party 

For further details about these events, please visit the Women’s Center located in Room C-220 or contact women@ramapo.edu.