Jerri-Ann Jacobs

Honorary Degrees
 
 

California State University San Marcos

Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Jerri-Ann Jacobs has long been a pivotal figure in the San Diego community. Alongside her husband, Gary Jacobs, she played a crucial role in bringing to fruition High Tech High, an integrated network of 16 kindergarten-through-12-grade charter schools that now serves more than 6,000 students throughout San Diego County. The Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High, launched in 2000, educates more than 500 students through project-based learning and a technology-focused curriculum.

Mrs. Jacobs and her family are well recognized in the local philanthropic community. In addition to her service to High Tech High’s Parent Teacher Association while her children were enrolled there, Mrs. Jacobs has served on the boards of the Foundation for the Advancement of Music Education and Congregation Beth El and the advisory council for the JCompany Youth Theatre at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center-Jacobs Family Campus, among other community organizations. An accomplished violinist, she passionately advocates for the arts and arts education, as well as for youth leadership development. 

Mrs. Jacobs’ community engagement efforts consistently demonstrate a global perspective. She has hosted events with speakers from war-torn regions such as Ukraine and she has consistently raised and donated funds to support those in need, be they in Ukraine, Israel or the local San Diego community. In her quiet, unassuming and down-to-earth way, Jerri-Ann Jacobs stands out as one of the most influential women leaders in the community. Her unwavering commitment to education, experiential learning and community engagement aligns seamlessly with the mission of the California State University.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions and long history of community engagement, the Board of Trustees of the California State University and California State University San Marcos are proud to confer upon Jerri-Ann Jacobs the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.