Author: Greg Gaspard
Schriever, LA – Fletcher Technical Community College is pleased to welcome Jacqueline Richard, Associate Professor of Geology. A Vertebrate Paleontologist, Professor Richard started her education at her local community college in Northern Illinois. She then attended the University of Kansas where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree (Biology major, Geology minor) before moving to New Orleans where she earned her Master’s degree in Geology from UNO.
Her research career has taken her on many digs throughout the Western United States, and she also worked at the Field Museum of Natural History, where she helped make the replica of Sue (the large T-Rex) that travels the world. Professor Richard currently works with the Smithsonian & Denver Museum of Natural History on a project in North Dakota, and she teaches geology for the Louisiana Master Naturalists. Professor Richard also volunteers with various coastal restoration groups.
She comes to Fletcher from Delgado Community College, where earlier this year her Math and Science peers nominated her for an Excellence in Teaching Award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). She received the award at a ceremony in Austin, Texas.
“We are excited to welcome Jacqueline Richard to the Fletcher family as our new Physical Science Instructor,” commented Dr. Clint Coleman, Dean of STEM at Fletcher. “We also want to congratulate her on being a 2019 NISOD Excellence Award recipient. Her teaching and field work experience in geology and physical science will be invaluable as we continue to grow the STEM programs here at Fletcher Technical Community College.”
Professor Richard is proud to be a community college graduate and first-generation college graduate. “I was a straight-A student from high school but going straight into college was not a financial possibility for me,” she noted. “In attending my local community college (College of DuPage), my love of geology and fossil collecting was deeply fostered. I was shown that with hard work and enthusiasm, even a female in a male dominated field could excel. I received scholarships and many opportunities to further my career, and for that I am grateful. If I can give one ounce of that back to my students, then I will consider that a win.”