Jeanne Foster Jacobs

Jeanne Foster Jacobs joined AGB Search in 2021. As a proven leader in higher education, she brings over 35 years of executive experience that advanced strategic direction, innovation, and institutional performance in community and state colleges. Dr. Jacobs searches expertise includes President/Chancellor, Provost/VPAA positions for public and private higher education institutions. 

Representative Executive Searches

  • Cuyahoga Community College - President
  • Foothill-DeAnza Community College District - Chancellor
  • Howard Community College - President
  • Missouri Valley College - President
  • Northeastern Illinois University - President
  • Northampton Community College - President
  • Waubonsee Community College - President

Experience and Honors

Previously, Dr. Jacobs served fifteen years as President and CEO of Miami Dade College’s Homestead campus. During her tenure at MDC, Jeanne led many college-wide initiatives that resulted in the complete transformation of the campus, from its physical size to significantly increased student enrollment and engagement. Prior to MDC, Dr. Jacobs held the position of Vice President of Instruction at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio.

Dr. Jacobs is a nationally recognized higher education leader, winning numerous awards including: City of Homestead Community Award in Education (2020); Top Black Educator, Legacy Magazine (2017); Citizen of the Year Award, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (2016); ICABA Distinguished Achiever (2015); Educational Leadership Honor, Legacy Magazine (2013); Tribute to Women’s History Month (March 2012) and Honoring Jeanne Jacobs (March 2010), United States Congressional Record; Outstanding Leadership in Education, Lumina (2011); Outstanding Woman in Education & Research, In the Company of Women Awards (2010); Proclamation of Jeanne F. Jacobs Day, Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and County Commissioners (2011, 2008); Top 25 Most Influential Black Women in South Florida (2007); and Top 10 African-American Women in Dayton, Ohio (2004).

Dr. Jacobs has contributed to the boards of both local and national organizations including the Community College Advisory Panel of The College Board; the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Community Colleges; the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education, Office of Women in Higher Education; and the Board of Directors of Homestead Hospital-Baptist Health South Florida.

Education

  • B.A. degree in English from Fisk University 
  • M.Ed. degree from Alabama A&M University 
  • Ph.D. degree in Administration of Higher Education from the University of Alabama