Education as Liberation
Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson Brings Vision and Vitality to RU–N
R.L. Witter
Newly appointed Rutgers University–Newark (RU–N) Chancellor Dr. Tonya Smith-Jackson brings to campus a wealth of experience, insight, and fresh ideas. A lifelong learner with a dynamic academic background, Smith-Jackson arrives ready to share her talents and turn vision into action.
Her belief in education as a transformative force comes from deeply rooted family values. “The idea of education as liberation was the foundation of my parents’ philosophy of lifelong learning,” she said. “There’s a process of self-liberation that happens when we gain knowledge and understanding of ourselves and the world. You develop a mindset that helps you overcome barriers—maybe not all, since some are tied to inherited privilege—but most can be broken through by mastering what you can and using knowledge as a tool to move forward in life.”
That philosophy shaped her early years. The second of six children, Smith-Jackson was raised in a home where learning was a daily expectation. Her parents, both strong believers in education, taught their children to read, write, and do math before the age of four. “I remember my mother convincing a principal in the Philippines that kindergarten would be a waste of time for me,” she recalled. “I was tested and skipped to first grade—but I was expected to keep up, no matter my age.”
Because her father served as a career enlisted airman in the U.S. Air Force, Smith-Jackson’s childhood was marked by global experiences and constant adaptation. “By the time I reached high school, I had mastered the art of learning anywhere, anytime, and with anyone,” she said. “Traveling and meeting people from all walks of life taught me how to learn from every situation.”
As a child, Smith-Jackson dreamed of becoming a doctor. “At twelve, I was determined to become a healer—a psychiatrist,” she said. While attending the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, she worked in a Duke University lab studying therapies for clinical depression. The experience broadened her curiosity and led her to major in pre-med and biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
But as she puts it, “Every great origin story has a plot twist.” During her studies, she discovered that her passion for chemistry—an essential part of medical training—had faded. “I lost my love for chemistry and changed my major three times,” she laughed. “I still don’t know why chemistry makes me sweat, but I plan to conquer it after I retire. One day, chemistry and I will make peace!”
Her academic journey took a pivotal turn when a mentor, Dr. Dave Eckerman, introduced her to the field of engineering psychology. That discovery led her to North Carolina State University, where she pursued graduate studies in an interdisciplinary program that combined psychology, engineering, and design. “Human factors is all about designing with people in mind,” she explained. “Whether it’s a smartphone, a workspace, or a transportation system, our focus is on human capabilities—mental, physical, and social. It’s a field for anyone passionate about how technology, design, and human experience intersect.”
Smith-Jackson’s distinguished career includes roles as program director at the National Science Foundation, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at North Carolina A&T State University, professor and department chair of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and founder of the Human Factors Analytics Laboratory and the Cyber-Human Analytics Research for the Internet of Things (CHARIoT) Lab. She is also a fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.
Her academic journey has taken her across the U.S. and abroad, including teaching positions in New York, Virginia, North Carolina, and Germany. Those global experiences continue to shape her philosophy of access and inclusion in higher education. “In Germany, many of my students were U.S. soldiers and their families,” she said. “We had to adapt when some were deployed or reassigned, finding ways to take education to them. That experience taught me the power of flexibility and the importance of meeting students where they are.”
Smith-Jackson sees that same commitment to accessibility reflected at Rutgers University–Newark. “RU–N has been an exemplary anchor institution,” she said. “In my 30 years in higher education—and in roles ranging from engineer to HIV/AIDS case manager—I’ve rarely seen such strong university–community partnerships.”
Among the initiatives that impressed her most are the Newark Public Safety Collaborative, which unites researchers, police, students, and community leaders to co-design data-driven solutions, and Express Newark, a creative studio where artists, residents, and students come together to amplify stories through visual arts, performance, and digital media. “These programs embody mutual respect and innovation,” she said. “They show what’s possible when a university truly listens to and learns from its community.”
Smith-Jackson also praised the African-American Brain Health Initiative and Aging and Brain Health Alliance, both of which bridge science and community wisdom. “These programs don’t just study health—they center people’s lived experiences and cultural realities. That’s what it means to be a truly engaged research institution.”
Looking ahead, Smith-Jackson plans to expand RU–N’s online learning capacity. “If we believe in access, we must reach beyond the classroom,” she said. “Today’s students are tech-savvy and connected. We can—and should—take Rutgers to them.”
When asked what advice she’d offer RU–N students, Smith-Jackson turned again to the values instilled by her parents. “Pursuing a degree is an act of liberation—a gift to yourself that yields lifelong benefits,” she said. “But don’t stop at the classroom. Learning happens everywhere—especially in the community. RU–N isn’t an ivory tower. It’s a bridge to the world around you.”
Her personal mantra is simple but powerful: Work hard, play hard, learn hard. “When students commit to that balance—and to their community—the rest will follow,” she said.
Away from the office, the chancellor enjoys spending time in North Carolina with her family, including her grandchildren. “I’m a better grandparent than I was a parent,” she laughed. Her 84-year-old mother still tends crops on the family farm. Smith-Jackson also loves nature, travel, and basketball. “I played from sixth through twelfth grade,” she said. “These days it’s more of a slow break than a fast break, but I still love the game—especially the WNBA and college ball.”
As she settles into her new role in Newark, Smith-Jackson looks forward to engaging locally. “I already serve on national boards, but I’m eager to get involved at the community level here,” she said.
Welcome to New Jersey, Newark, and Rutgers University–Newark, Chancellor Smith-Jackson.
Your arrival marks not just a new chapter—but the start of a new era of transformation, innovation, and partnership.
