Lori DuVall-Jackson Receives SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service
As a strong advocate for animal rights, particularly the preservation and protection of the world’s wild elephant population, Lori volunteers regularly in Zululand, South Africa.
Published September 5, 2019
Lori DuVall-Jackson has been named a recipient of the 2019 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service, in recognition of consistently demonstrated superlative performance within and beyond her position. DuVall-Jackson places a strong emphasis on ensuring that UB CBE provides excellent service to its graduate student community and that its initiatives, systems and services improve their overall experience.
In her day-to-day job duties, DuVall-Jackson assists with graduate student applications, inquiries, appointments, tuition, personnel files and general customer service. While performing these tasks, she advocates for students from abroad who have not yet found their voice, helps them navigate the university system, ensures they’re well and productive, and continually checks in. UB CBE’s students rely on her to ensure their success on a daily basis.
DuVall-Jackson is a strong advocate for animal rights, particularly the preservation and protection of the world’s wild elephant population, and volunteers regularly in Zululand, South Africa. At home she volunteers for The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, which provides a permanent home for retired zoo and circus elephants.
“Lori is both a creative problem solver for our students, and a valued advisor and counselor to them. She looks after their academic and financial well-being as she processes their appointments and various academic forms, and also takes time to talk with them, significantly enhancing the student experience. I believe this was captured very well in the following statement from the 'Acknowledgements' section of the M.S. thesis of Mr. Runsheng Zhang (a 2018 M.S. graduate of our department):”
“I would also like to offer my special thanks to the secretary of the Chemical and Biological Department, Mrs. Lori Duvall Jackson. She’s been not only a staff of the department who took care of pretty much every single academic issue I’ve had but a great mentor and friend who shares both amazing adventures that enlighten my days and bitter moments, which get me through those hard times.”
—Mark Swihart, UB distinguished professor and chair
