University News

125 Anniversary Celebration: Ryanne Jacoby (Nason)

November 13, 2024

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Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Western Illinois University students, alumni, and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Alumna Ryanne Jacoby (Nason) thinks of the many memories after spending a decade within the WIU community.

"The Leatherneck is the symbol of Western. It embodies everything that Western stands for: knowledge, loyalty, history and rural," Jacoby said.

To Jacoby, being a Leatherneck is making lifelong friends with fellow students and professors.

"I spent from 2009 until 2020 at Western Illinois University. I obtained three different degrees. I received my bachelor's of science in community communication sciences and disorders and psychology in 2012. I received my specialist degree in school psychology in 2016 and then I received my educational leadership master's degree in 2020. Upon graduating in 2016 I started working as a School Psychologist at a school district about 35 miles west of Macomb. I think I will continue to work full-time and return to school to get my educational leadership degree. I am now a principal at the same school, and value the education I received Western and the friendships I made along the way," Jacoby said.

Her favorite memory at WIU was working on campus and her time in Stipes Hall under Jim Bennett.

"I wasn't too involved on campus with double majoring in undergrad and living off-campus as well as being very busy throughout graduate schooling. However, I did work on campus for a short period under Jim Bennett. I thought about joining our sorority but ended up not going that route and just participated in my school psychology club and Western Illinois University Speech-Language-Hearing Association club," Jacoby said.

Jacoby advises students to take it all in.

"Make connections, meet people. Don't waste the time that you have there. See knowledge and make lasting friendships. They always say it's not what you know. It's who you know," Jacoby said.

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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