VCU news

Jessica Jagger, Ph.D., who received a doctorate from the School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University and who is a graduate of Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) at VCU, received the 2014 Association of University Centers on Disability Young Professional Award at the annual conference held in Washington, D.C. in November.

The award is presented to professionals in the disabilities field under the age of 40 who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to people with developmental disabilities and their families through their work as a bridge between the academic sector and the community.

Since graduating from the Va-LEND program in 2009, Jagger completed a Fulbright fellowship in Jamaica, completed her doctorate in the School of Social Work, and served as deputy director and director of research for the Recovering Warrior Task Force.

Jagger is an emerging leader who has combined her interest in disability policy with her research and evaluation skills to inform policies and practices, which have a significant impact on individuals with disabilities and their families.

Currently, Jagger is the behavioral health data surveillance section head for the U.S. Marine Corps. She oversees operations of the data surveillance section for family advocacy, substance abuse, community counseling and prevention programs throughout the USMC.

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