THE VFA PIONEER HISTORIES PROJECT

Dauris Gwendolyn Jackson

July 18, 1932 – July 31, 1979

Dauris Jackson believed her primary mission on the Wayne State University Board of Governors was as an advocate for change, for aggressive affirmative action, accessibility and for helping the university become more reflective of and responsive to the surrounding community. 

First African American woman elected to Wayne State University’s Board of Governors and the first ever elected to any Michigan university board, 1976.  Focused on civil rights and educational issues. Selected by Scott-Foresman-Addison-Wesley School Publishing Group to serve as one of ten authors nationally to initiate its first multi-racial textbooks, Basics in Reading, 1977. Served as chairman of the Michigan Statewide Teacher Education Program and co-authored the City Schools Series for Follett publishing company in 1977. Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education from Wayne State University in 1953 and 1958.