Alison Jackson Frasier, a Rhode Island native, is both a teacher within the University of Rhode Island and a consultant for outside organizations.
Jackson Frasier is the coordinator of student leadership programs in the Center for Student Leadership Development. She began her education at URI in 2000 as a communications major and leadership studies minor.
“The funny part is I started a communications studies minor thinking I was going to go to meteorology school for my master’s program after,” Jackson Frasier said. “Then about two years in, I decided not to do science.”
Instead of pursuing the field of science, Jackson Frasier became interested in working with people in higher education settings.
Wanting to further her education, Jackson Frasier continued on to get her master’s degree in higher education administration and social justice. She attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed her degree in 2006.
Using her background as a National Collegiate Athletic Association athlete, Jackson Frasier went back to a passion she held throughout college. She assumed the role of gymnastics coach and program director for recreational gymnastics and competitive gymnastics programs in Rhode Island.
During this time, she became a summer camp director and special programs director for Aim High Academy, what used to be a local small business. While holding aforementioned positions, she also worked with at-risk youth and proven-risk youth through Project Adventure in Beverly, Massachusetts. In addition, she was a visiting lecturer in movement arts at Bridgewater State University.
“I’ve been all over the place!” Jackson Frasier said. “Now, outside of my role at URI, I also do consulting and staff training for local and international businesses.”
Jackson Frasier was first drawn to teaching by her Introduction to Leadership Studies professor, Melissa Boyd-Colvin. Boyd-Colvin was the graduate assistant in the center for leadership development at the time and is now director of the Center for Student Leadership Development.
“She’s the one who made me realize that I could do this and that this is a real career path,” Jackson Frasier said. “I love what I do here. I love teaching college students.”
As a third-year in college, Jackson Frasier became a peer leader for her HDF190 class. Peer leaders assist in teaching certain aspects of the class and lead group discussions. Her time as peer leader truly helped her to see the ways in which she could help future students lead, she said.
“I think there’s some fun in watching change happen and I think that’s the one thing that kind of flows through all the different career paths and things that I’ve chosen,” Jackson Frasier said. “I’m always looking to impact change and watch that process.”
In 2012, Jackson Frasier began working at URI, where she has been ever since. Jackson Frasier plans on continuing her role for many years to come.
“I can say that even if I leave URI, I would like to stay teaching even if it’s one or two classes per semester,” Jackson Frasier said. “I’m really happy with what I’m doing but I also see a lot of opportunities out there.”
Though she considered teaching at other schools such as Bridgewater State University, Jackson Frasier was confident that URI was the place she would end up teaching all along.
“It’s home,” Jackson Frasier said. “It’s full circle and I like giving back to the places that created who I am.”
A strong believer of public higher education, Jackson Frasier said how she would like to continue to support access in any way that she can.
When she isn’t running a challenge course or teaching classes, Jackson Frasier can be found outdoors. She enjoys paddleboarding, both competitively and for fun, fishing and spending time with her four dogs.
“I hang out with my husband now and again,” Jackson Frasier said. “If I’m truly in my happy place, I’m outdoors somewhere.”
Jackson Frasier hopes to continue inspiring new leaders and growing the leadership program at URI.