How have you helped improve organizations you’ve been a part of? 

Since the budget influences most decisions organizations have to make, I have been involved in development efforts and co-chairing fundraising events. I enjoy raising money for causes in which I believe: Lauridsen Skatepark, Young Women’s Resource Center, Planned Parenthood, the Varsity Cinema, the Mind and Spirit Counseling Center, Central Presbyterian Church and Central College.

What motivates you? 

A sense of curiosity. A need for learning. A commitment to continuous improvement. A seeker of wisdom.

Is there a memory or experience from your formative years that continues to influence your approach to life? 

As a first-generation college student, my parents stressed education and performing well in school. This emphasis instilled in me a love of learning. Ironically, I just kept going to school, earning an MBA and then a Ph.D. Without planning it, I “fell” into college teaching, which was the perfect career for me. I concluded: I like teaching, but I am passionate about learning.

What piece of advice would you give to others who hope to make a difference in their communities?

Find causes that matter to you and get involved. Most nonprofit organizations welcome volunteers. Play to your strengths. 

Tell us about a time you failed (or at least you did from your own perception). 

I was struggling with writing my dissertation. While I thought I was on the right track, my dissertation chair, Mary Huba, was not satisfied with my writing. I was working on it full time, and she said she liked a previous draft from three months earlier. Honestly, I did not think I would get it approved. It was finally approved. Twelve years later, she and I co-authored a book “Learner-Centered Assessment on College Campuses: Shifting the Focus from Teaching to Learning” (Pearson, 1999).

What is a favorite book, show, movie, podcast, etc., that you’d encourage others to consume? 

Book: “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl; movie: “Big” with Tom Hanks; podcasts: “On Being with Krista Tippett” and “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross.

How do you try to find balance and joy in the many activities you take part in? 

My focus is on involvement and not just belonging. I try hard not to get involved in too many activities that can dilute my time and energy. I find joy when an activity energizes me rather than drains my energy. I find fulfillment when I can make a difference.

What is one of your guilty pleasures? 

Dark chocolate.

What’s something many people don’t know about you? 

I love Yucatan, Mexico. I co-authored a book “Women of Yucatan: Thirty Who Dare to Change Their World” (McFarland and Co., 2009). In addition, I have a bilingual black and white photography exhibit that traveled to about 40 college galleries and libraries in Iowa in the early 2000s. The exhibit was supported by grants from Central College, the Iowa Arts Council and Humanities Iowa.

Anything else you want to add about yourself? 

My favorite words are creativity, curiosity and wisdom. My main strength is persistence. As a writer, I have gotten used to rejection. But you keep going. Not all things will work out, but some things will and there are surprises along the way.

What do you consider the greatest barrier to gender equity? 

Assumptions. Both men and women need to challenge and question our assumptions about what men and women can or should do. Women need to support one another rather than compete. Don’t believe stereotypes about others or about yourself. The focus should be on skills, competencies and character – not gender.

Who is an empowering woman that you look up to? 

I can think of several, but three immediately come to mind. Connie Wimer, because of her level of engagement and relevance. Connie Isaacson, because of her ability to integrate being a successful business owner with children and a large extended family. Joyce Rupp, for her spiritual guidance, calming influence and the sharing of her wisdom.

What will it take for women to achieve gender parity in leadership positions? 

Women need to continue to “lean in” and not self-select themselves out, thinking they are not ready. Once women get into a position of power, they need to support one another. Everyone needs to mentor, sponsor and coach — both men and women. One silver lining of the pandemic was how organizations had to become more flexible with remote and hybrid work — valued by both men and women. Research indicates most employees, regardless of gender, appreciate having more agency over their work-life integration. 

I am reminded of a poem about support systems written by Natasha Josefowitz in the 1980s. Elaine Szymoniak, former state senator and city council member, shared this poem at a leadership workshop I attended:

My right hand is being held by someone who knows more than I, 

And I am learning.

My left hand is being held

By someone who knows less than I,

And I am teaching.

So both my hands must thus be held

For me – to be.

What support would be most helpful for business leaders to provide for their women and nonbinary employees? 

Create an environment where all employees want to work. Creating a healthy culture that includes psychological safety is so important, and that includes: building trust, communicating openly and demonstrating empathy and compassion. One of the main responsibilities of leaders is to build community. Especially after the pandemic, people long to belong.

Fill in the blank: If gender equity were achieved, the world would look like ________.

I want to change the statement to be: If gender equity were achieved, the world would feel: free, less judgmental, flexible, accepting and more fun.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Central College, MBA from Drake University, doctorate from Iowa State University 

Hometown: Burnside, Iowa

Family: Husband, John; sons MacLean, Austin and Marshall Fisher

Hobbies: Writing, photography, making cards and postcards, reading

Words to live by: Look at the view.

“Leadership is much less about what you do, and much more about who you are.” 

Frances Hesselbein

 “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” 

Jane Goodall

Three notable accomplishments

• Co-author of four books and author of two books.
• The success of my former students is my “profit sharing.” Over the years, several former female students have been recognized as Women of Influence and several former students (female and male) have been recognized as Forty Under 40.
• Married for 42 years and raising three self-sufficient sons.

Watch Jann’s remarks

See all of the past Women of Influence honorees