Jackson-Elmoore has served as dean of the Honors College since 2007, and has been at MSU since 1994, according to her LinkedIn account.

In addition to her role as dean, Jackson-Elmoore is also a professor, is co-chair of MSU's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee and is on MSU's strategic planning committee, which is planning mandatory diversity training at the university.

In her message to the Honors College, she added that she will work with the provost’s office to ensure a "smooth transition and the continued vibrancy" of the Honors College.

"For more than a decade, the Honors College has been, and continues to be, a very important part of my life," Jackson-Elmoore said in the message. "The amazing students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and campus/community partners that I have been privileged to work and interact with have forever changed me for the better."

Jackson-Elmoore will take over for Cal Poly Interim Provost Mary Pedersen, who followed Kathleen Enz Finken, after Enz Finken stepped down in 2019 a few years after undergoing cancer-related surgery.

According to a press release from Cal Poly, Jackson-Elmoore will oversee the school's Academic Affairs division, which includes the university's six colleges. She'll also oversee international education programs, the Kennedy Library and the Office of Equal Opportunity.

"In addition, she shares oversight of research and economic development; graduate education; financial aid; the registrar; admissions; and enrollment," according to the press release.

In the release, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said the school is excited to bring Jackson-Elmoore into the leadership role.

"Her strong academic and administrative background will play an important role in the continual improvement of our already world class Learn by Doing education," Armstrong said. "And as we work to enhance our campus culture through diversity, equity and inclusion, her passion for and experience with these issues will be a valuable addition to Academic Affairs and the university as a whole."

Having received doctorate and master's degrees in public administration from the University of Southern California, she said in the press release that she looks forward to returning to California and making San Luis Obispo her home.