Jacqueline Mac

Jacqueline Mac is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Higher Education within the College of Education at Northern Illinois University. She is a first-generation Southeast Asian American scholar committed to equity, justice, and inclusive pedagogy in higher education. Her work spans teaching, research, and service with a focus on racial justice, institutional change, and the experiences of marginalized communities in postsecondary education.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Higher Education (Minor in Comparative and International Education), Indiana University
• M.A. in College Student Personnel Administration, University of Maryland, College Park
• B.S. in Psychology (Minor in Asian American Studies), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Her research centers on the racial realities of colleges and universities, particularly examining racism and racialization, campus environments, and institutional transformation. She focuses on Southeast Asian American, refugee, and racially marginalized populations, often engaging with critical theoretical frameworks and interdisciplinary methodologies. Her pedagogy emphasizes culturally sustaining strategies to foster equitable learning spaces.

The most recent publications reflect a strong thematic focus on minority-serving institutions (especially AANAPISIs), the critique of dominant narratives like the model minority myth and grit discourse, and the role of ethnic studies and identity in academic success. Her work consistently challenges traditional research paradigms by integrating critical epistemologies and centering community voices.

Scientific Awards:

• ACUE Distinguished Teaching Scholar

Jacqueline is a co-founder of the SEAAster Scholars Collective, a national network advancing knowledge on Southeast Asian American experiences in higher education. She has been actively involved in professional service, including leadership roles in ACPA - College Educators International, where she chaired the Asian Pacific American Network (APAN) and co-chaired the Nominations and Elections Taskforce. Her advising and public scholarship extend through invited talks, panel discussions, and collaborations with practitioners and scholars across the country.

She contributes to community engagement through public scholarship, including podcast appearances and blog posts, and has presented at national forums such as the Association for the Study of Higher Education. Her work bridges academic research with community impact, particularly in advancing racial justice in educational institutions.