20 Under 40 - 2001 Profile: Sherri L. Jackson

PRESSTIME

By Presstime Magazine

First Published: November 2001

As a child, Sherri L. Jackson's family encouraged her to pursue teaching, reasoning that it was a good field for an African American woman. Jackson's "passions" were reading English literature and writing, but instead of limiting their application to the classroom, she opted for the newsroom, though she taught for a brief period of time.

"No one in my family knew any black journalists, so it wasn't a job they considered for me. But once I reached college, journalism fully engaged me. I've always liked talking to people, learning what was going on," Jackson says. "I made the right choice."

Editor Randolph D. Brandt of The Journal Times in Racine, Wis., seconds that opinion. In nominating Jackson, he wrote, "Her background as a teacher, tutor and peer counselor has given her a unique insight," and he says "she energizes and improves everything."

As an education reporter at the Racine daily, Jackson spent several months behind the scenes at Racine schools, producing a well-read series about their strengths and weaknesses. She rose from education reporter to assistant city editor and then city editor at the Racine daily in about two years. Brandt says that in her new role on the city desk, Jackson uses her teaching skills to help staffers.

"Under Sherri's instruction, her successor on the education beat has emerged as a strong player," he says.

Jackson wants to give readers "something practical they can use every day, whether school news or what the war on terrorism means to people in Racine."

Education: 1987, B.A., journalism, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond; pursuing an M.S., adult education, University of Wisconsin-Plattsville.
Career: 1987-90, reporter, California Voice, San Francisco; 1990-95, news reporter, Hammond (La.) Daily Star; 1995-98, special-education teacher, Hammond Eastside Upper Elementary School; 1998-present, education reporter, assistant city editor, city editor, The Journal Times, Racine, Wis.
Personal: Age, 35. Born, Hammond, La. Single.
Diversions: Exercising; reading; cooking; director of women's ministries at her church, Zoe Outreach Ministries.
Connections: The Journal Times, 212 Fourth St., Racine, Wis. 53403, (262)-631-1720, sjackson@journaltimes.com.