Cleaster Jones Jackson

Cleaster Jackson was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Education and Human Services Hall of Fame in 2008.

Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science in social work (1975) and a Master of Science in counseling (1985) from the University of Wisconsin–Superior, and a Doctor of Education in special education (1997) from West Virginia University.

Her career spans roles as teacher, social worker, counselor (school and agency), special education supervisor and director, and K–12 administrator. As superintendent and principal of the World of Wonder (WOW) School in Dayton, Ohio, she led school-improvement efforts that moved the charter school from “academic emergency” to “continuous improvement,” meeting Adequate Yearly Progress and increasing student performance. Earlier, as principal of Greene Academy, she guided the school to U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School status and later the New American High School Award, and served as a panelist and site reviewer for related federal programs.

Jackson’s leadership includes adjunct faculty appointments at Wilmington College, Central State University, Wilberforce University, West Virginia University, and Wright State University; professional development for educators in special education, data use, and assessment; and service as a grant reviewer for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She has secured and managed funding for student services, in-school suspension, AP/online coursework access, and job training initiatives for students with disabilities, and established school-based mental health partnerships.

Her recognitions include a Letter of Commendation from the Ohio Department of Education Board of Directors (2011–12), Administrator of Excellence (Dayton Rotary Club), and the Mary Scott Legacy Award (2013).