“In times of economic challenge, collaboration is imperative for us to accomplish all that lies before us,” Jackson said. “Moving our community and region forward while being an example for others to follow is something that will take a unified effort and perseverance by many. Dr. Jasinski’s teamwork and ‘people first’ approach is welcomed and will allow us to accomplish each task before us.”
Reaching out The president’s concerted effort to focus on students, and also to interact with faculty members, has been apparent to Dr. Max Fridell, outgoing Faculty Senate president and associate professor of educational leadership. “Dr. Jasinski has a true spirit of teamwork and cooperation, which we all owe to our students. I’ve been impressed with his open communication and willingness to reach out to faculty, especially during these rough economic times,” Fridell said. “We appreciate the transparency he’s bringing to the budgetary process and how he’s linking these tough decisions to our strategic objectives and core values. Dr. Jasinski is a strong communicator who gets out and about – visiting classrooms, talking to students, meeting with faculty – which has allowed him to put his finger on the pulse of the University. He’s an honest, enthusiastic, analytical leader, and he’s someone I want to follow.” Jasinski’s style of communication – from weekly e-mail messages and open campus forums to posting updates on Facebook and Twitter – also has drawn the attention of Bearcats far and near. He’s always been one to stay connected to his former students, but the extreme level of alumni engagement was one of the few surprises he has experienced since
beginning his presidency. “I’ve visited with so many truly passionate Northwest alumni, and it’s awesome,” he said. “I did not fully appreciate the deep, robust nature of the relationship our alumni and friends have with Northwest. It’s huge. I’m proud to say that many of my colleagues at other institutions tell me it’s an entirely different level of engagement than they have at their schools. Northwest has a large group of Bearcat believers who go above and beyond, and when they say they bleed green, they really mean it!” Furthermore, Northwest students have witnessed Jasinski’s open style of communication. Student Senate President Erin Holm said, “the characteristic I see the most, and appreciate the most, is his approachability. I know that if I see Dr. Jasinski walking across campus I will get a smile and a hello, and if I have a concern my voice will be heard.”
Man of faith While understanding and respecting the public nature of Northwest, Jasinski is not one to shy away from publicly proclaiming his faith. “My faith is the beginning, the middle and the end,” Jasinski said. “As a leader, I represent a myriad of interests and people, and I don’t take that lightly. I want to embrace all faiths, and it’s crucial I don’t do injustice to anybody’s faith. For me, personally, my faith is the centering component. Each decision, every interaction, every meeting I go into, I go in saying ‘please God, allow me to do my best and think about the needs of others.’ Faith is everything, and fortunately our expression of faith has been very warmly embraced by a number of constituents.”
President “Jazz”
John Jasinski, a fierce competitor who has completed 11 marathons, adds a clap to his push-ups during the postgame ritual with Bobby Bearcat. (top left) During an all-employee meeting, John Jasinski emphasizes the importance of the institutional theme for the year and asks faculty and staff to engage, ignite, illuminate and educate. 14
SPRING 2010
N O RTH W E S T A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E
Because of Jasinski’s tenure as a Northwest faculty member, for alumni the thought of their former professor, whom they all referred to as “Jazz,” serving as the institution’s president presented an interesting twist. “Mass comm students tend to be more like a family, so although John was the department chair and a respected professor who challenged his students, he’ll always be referred to by many of us as ‘Jazz,’” said Kelley Yagel Baldwin ’95.