University Park, Pa. -- Janis E. Jacobs, vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education at Penn State, died early Friday morning (Sept. 16) after a long illness.
"Jan put up a valiant struggle against breast cancer for many years. She exhibited remarkable strength and determination to the very end," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier in announcing her passing.
"Jan was a brilliant behavioral scientist, renowned for her work in development psychology," Spanier continued. "She was one of the most talented leaders and administrators ever at the University of Nebraska and Penn State University. She has left a legacy of achievement that few could rival in a much longer lifetime. Jan was a loving wife and mother and an exemplary role model for her daughter. Jan was a good friend to many of us, and we will miss her dearly."
Jacobs came to Penn State from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1996 with a joint appointment in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and the Department of Psychology. Her research focused on the development of social cognitive processes during childhood and adolescence.
She was named vice president for administration in 1999. In 2002 she became vice provost for Undergraduate Education, a post that later was expanded to include International Programs. In July of this year, Jacobs assumed the position of vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education.
While at Penn State, Jacobs served on a wide range of boards and commissions, and key University committees including the President's Council, Budget Task Force, Tuition Task Force, Campus Environment Team and the Joint Committee on Academic Integrity. Jacobs also served on national committees, including national advisory boards for the Ad Council, Center for Research on Families and Neighborhoods, and the Decision Research Institute, as well as on the editorial boards of several academic journals. In addition, she served on a committee of the National Research Council and the Institute of Medicine, both parts of the National Academies, which conducted a study on out-of-control drinking behavior for the U.S. Congress.
Prior to her arrival at University Park, Jacobs served as chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At Nebraska, she was faculty associate to the chancellor and chaired the Chancellor's Commission on the Status of Women. She also developed Nebraska's policies for the protection of human subjects; chaired the university committee on the implementation of first-year seminars; and served as a consultant for the Department of Health of the State of Nebraska.
Jacobs earned her bachelor of science degree from Colorado State University in 1977; and her master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Michigan in 1983 and 1987, respectively. She was the author or co-author of more than 50 publications. She is survived by her husband, D. Wayne Osgood, professor of crime, law and justice, and sociology at Penn State; and a daughter, Logan Osgood-Jacobs.
A memorial service is scheduled at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21. A reception will follow in the Frizzell Room. The family requests any contributions be directed to the Janis Jacobs Study Abroad Fund, Office of University Development, 1 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802.
Photos of Jacobs are available at http://www.psu.edu/INTERCOM/photos/jacobs.html