Q & A with Tammi. D. Jackson, Vice President for Finance & Administration

She attended law school—but not to become a lawyer. Coming to Baltimore feels like coming home to her. And she learned a valuable lesson about luggage while traveling in Europe. Meet Tammi D. Jackson, one of the newest members of Goucher’s senior leadership team.

What would you like the Goucher community to know about you?
I am very excited to be returning “home” to Baltimore. Although I am not a native Baltimorean, I have always had a fondness for this area and the people. Besides being the new VP for finance and administration, I am the youngest child of seven older siblings. I am a first-generation college graduate—and the first of my siblings to graduate from college. I am proud to state that since my college graduation, two of my siblings have gone on to college (one actually will be graduating with his master’s degree in social work this May), and I have had five nieces and nephews graduate not only as undergraduates, but they have pursued masters and law degrees. So I’m a proud auntie!

When did you start at Goucher?
I started on January 2. (Yes, I was eager!)

What do you find to be the most challenging part of your job?
I have experience that will lend itself well to Goucher’s mission and vision. My greatest challenge will be maintaining my energy and strength to keep up with the president. He’s such a visionary and thinks outside the box that it will require me to be top notch all the time. But I think I’m up for the challenge.

What is your favorite part of the job or Goucher so far?
I have found Goucher faculty, staff, and students to be overwhelmingly friendly and very welcoming. So many people have embraced me from day one, and that has been a really great feeling. I recently was able to interact and connect with members of the Board of Trustees, and they have been very supportive. Also, to be at Goucher at this time of change and growth is exciting, and I’m just glad to be a part of Goucher’s future.

Do you have a favorite trip or hobby that might be interesting to share?
Although I don’t get to do it as much as I would like, I love to travel. My favorite trip was when I had just turned (*cough*) years old and graduated with my doctorate from Penn. I planned my first solo trip to Europe. I was so excited to see the Mediterranean. I arrived safely, yet my bags did not. I was in Europe for over two weeks with no luggage. I had the best time ever! Valuable lessons: Bring carry-on luggage, and you don’t need as much as you think you do when traveling. When I expanded the trip the following year, I followed my own advice and had two carry-ons for a three-week trip.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A math teacher.

You have lots of degrees, so education is obviously important to you. What was  your favorite part of your own education?
This always sounds bizarre to others, but I will confess that I attended law school to do something different. I never imagined myself practicing law or being in a courtroom. The other bizarre thing about me is that I thought taking the Maryland Bar was fun! I truly never imagined that my law degree would come in handy in my finance roles. I have not only used my legal degree in all that I do, but I taught some law courses as well (what’s better than Law & Accounting?!).

It seems like you’re in a male-dominated field—any thoughts for other women in STEM or business-related fields?
I have never been intimidated by being the “only” or the “first.” I believe women have to follow their dreams, and if that’s in business or STEM, then never allow the “ism’s” (sexism, racism, classism, etc.) to be your own self-imposed stumbling block. The one thing I have always tried to do in my career path was find other women in leadership roles who I considered mentors and groomed those relationships. In my path, I have tried to give that same mentoring back to other women coming up behind me. So as women, we have to support one another and seek out opportunities when we can and just pursue it! (There may be times opportunities don’t present themselves; then you must create your own.)

What’s one of the most adventurous things you’ve done?

I’m not an adventurous person.

What’s your favorite band/musician?
I can listen to Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, and Jill Scott all night.

Which and why?:
• Oakland Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens!!! Because they’re awesome! And don’t hold it against me, but I like their uniforms.
• Atlantic vs. Pacific
That’s a tough one. I’m an East Coast girl through and through, but there’s nothing like the West Coast weather. I’ll go with Atlantic.
• Early Bird vs. Night Owl
I’m an early bird—I’m more productive and alert at 5 a.m. It’s in my blood—my father’s side of the family is from St. Croix, USVI, so we get up with the roosters.

To learn more about Jackson’s impressive background, check out the news release here.

Scroll to Top