Jasmine D. Collins, Ph.D., is a Research Specialist at the Illinois Workforce and Education Research Collaborative (IWERC), where she collaborates with research partners to explore equitable education and training pathways that support workforce development in Illinois. As an applied social scientist and higher education scholar, Collins draws on her extensive knowledge of racial and geographic disparities in educational attainment and workforce outcomes for rural and racially minoritized communities.
Currently, Collins is leading several impactful projects, including identifying pathways to high-priority occupations in Illinois agriculture, mapping Chicago’s tech ecosystem to evaluate non-degree tech training programs, and examining student basic needs support in Illinois postsecondary contexts.
Collins holds a Ph.D. in Educational Organization and Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education and a master’s degree in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Culture from Indiana University.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my son and partner, traveling, visiting family, reading, and diving into home renovation and DIY projects. I’m drawn to all forms of design and enjoy learning about everything from architecture and urban planning to interior design and fashion.
Partnering with NCHEMS allows me to contribute to meaningful projects that align with my commitment to equity in education and workforce development. I’m excited to collaborate with and learn from NCHEMS staff and fellow advisory group members on the cooperative extension project, to gain deeper insights into state appropriation approaches models on the rural funding models project, and to help shape policies and practices that support education and workforce pathways for rural and underserved communities. Lastly, being originally from Colorado — I always appreciate an opportunity to visit my beautiful home state!
