Awards

Bicentennial Medal - 2020

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2015

About Barbara D. Jackson

In 1974, educated as a socio-cultural anthropologist at Hunter College and the University of Minnesota, Professor Emerita Barbara Jackson became the first chair of the School of Liberal Arts' new anthropology department, helping build a department that would become noted for its deep community engagement. Her pioneering spirit continued as a founding faculty member of the IUPUI Women's Studies program at University College. She also served as associate dean in both Liberal Arts and University College, contributing in yet another way to IUPUI's mission and development. Through philanthropy, Jackson has ensured that the Department of Anthropology has a strong foundation for the future.

In 2014 she established the Barbara D. Jackson Endowed Chair in Anthropology, which will be funded through a gift from her estate. The endowed chair will allow the department to further expand its areas of specialization and enhance its ability to respond to an always-changing academic discipline.

Along with the Chair, Professor Jackson previously created the Manuela Reynolds Award in memory of her mother and Barbara D. Jackson Lectureship in Anthropology. The Manuela Reynolds Award supports advanced anthropology student research, allowing an anthropology student to attend conferences, participate in field schools, and/or engage in research-related travel. The Barbara D. Jackson Lectureship in Anthropology will enable the Department to bring prominent speakers to IUPUI and Indianapolis to present on topics of broad anthropological interest.

In 2020, Barbara Jackson was presented the Bicentennial Medal for her distinguished service to Indiana University.