Jessica Cook Receives Jakubik Family Endowment Staff Award!

Congratulations to Associate Director of the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program, Jessica Cook, for receiving this year's Jakubik Family Endowment Staff Award!

This award was established to recognize staff contributions toward the success of UMBC students. Awardees are individuals who make behind-the-scenes, but indispensable contributions to student success in areas such as advisement, mentoring, and development of programs.

Jessica Cook joined UMBC as the Associate Director of the Sondheim Public Affairs Scholars Program in 2013. Throughout her seven years with the program, she has played a pivotal role in the academic, professional, and personal development and success of the Sondheim Scholars. Jessica’s supervisor and the several students and alumni who helped nominate her for this award praise her for investments of time and effort into one-on-one advising and mentorship that often exceed the call of duty. They describe her mentorship as demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of the “whole person.” Whether the topic is academic difficulty, choice of major, experiential learning opportunities, graduate school and career plans, or stressors from life outside of school, Jessica listens compassionately and offers valuable counsel and aid, including help navigating on- and off-campus resources and procedures. Many Sondheim Scholars glowingly attest to Jessica’s influence on their academic paths.

Jessica also proposed, advocated, and spearheaded the implementation of some new initiatives meant to provide impactful experiences for students. She proposed adding a second overnight to Honors Orientation and a weekend retreat open to all Sondheim Scholars, in order to increase community building in the program. With considerable input, leadership, and participation from students, the Program held both of these events in 2019, and they succeeded beautifully. Jessica has also designed a study-abroad program in Capetown, South Africa built to teach about contemporary social issues and action in South Africa. 

The Sondheim Program is fortunate to have this award-winning staff member as its own. Read more about Jessica’s work here!