Dr. Yvonne D. Jackson

Dr. Jackson has been an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for 38 years. She was initiated into Tau Chapter at Wayne State University (WSU) on April 9, 1988, to the 10 Karatt Line. She started her leadership track right away. She was the Secretary, Leader of the Minerva Circle, and President as a Collegiate Member. She was also instrumental in starting the Charlyne Hunter Gault Biennial Scholarship Ball, expanding the purpose of providing scholarships to students on campus. While at WSU, she was also a cheerleader and on the student counsel for two years, respectively.

Dr. Jackson’s matriculation at Wayne State produced multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Master of Arts in Sports Administration, and Education Specialist Certificate in Special Education Administration. After her time working in special education, she branched out into teaching in higher education, which prompted her to earn her first Doctorate in Education with a focus on Teacher Leadership while working at Baker College. When she accepted a position as a founding member of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Western Michigan University, she decided to earn her second Doctorate in Physical Therapy, specializing in Pediatric Science. The knowledge she gained from this degree increased her ability to deliver more content to her students. 

During her tenure as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc at the alumnae level, Dr. Jackson became a Golden-Life Member. She has held multiple leadership roles at the local, state, regional, and national levels, including positions from timekeeper to President; however, she was always intentional about being engaged in committee work as well. She was elected as the first vice president and president of the Kalamazoo Alumnae Chapter. Under her leadership, the committees worked diligently and were recognized regularly by the Midwest Region with multiple awards. 

Dr. Jackson focused on training chapters for membership intake and annual Delta Internal Development Workshops throughout her state of Michigan, mostly, but with the ability to train virtually, she has trained sorors from Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio as well. She has been an investigator, observer of the membership intake process, and a primary advisor for both Tau and Delta Upsilon Chapters. She is currently serving as the Chair of the Public Service Committee at the Macomb Alumnae Chapter.

Dr. Jackson has remained steadfast with her work in Delta but has continued her community service work that started as a young Girl Scout, which she is now a lifetime member. She was on the Centers for Disability Service Board at Western Michigan University. She has held multiple positions within the American Physical Therapy Association, nationally and at the state level, including being a founding member of the Pediatric Special Interest Group in Michigan and State Pediatric Advocacy Liaison to the state of Michigan. Most recently, she was appointed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Board of Physical Therapy, which she is currently serving on, affecting policy that is in direct association with the American Physical Therapy Association. Additionally, the research she has done through the university has allowed her to present at local, state, and national conferences with poster presentations as well as educational sessions. She has also co-authored a book and published multiple research articles.

Dr. Jackson is active in church and takes her faith seriously. She was raised by her parents in her family’s church, which was Tried Stone Baptist Church. During her 30 years of membership and service there, she was baptized at the age of 19, and she was married there for 23 years; to this union, they had four children. All four children matriculated in college, earning various degrees. After the passing of her pastor, she moved to the Old Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a founding member. However, being obedient to God’s plan, she relocated to the New Hope Missionary Church, where she has remained active (except while in Kalamazoo, where she was an active member of the Galilee Baptist Church). Dr. Jackson recently completed the Rooted Experience, a 10-week international discipleship program which increased her faith, improved her relationship with God, and strengthened her prayer life.