Top Navigation
University Relations
91²Ö¿âHome > News > Newsrelease Print
125 Anniversary Celebration: Jackie Teschner
April 30, 2025
Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about 91²Ö¿â 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, IL - - Alumna Jackie Teschner describes 91²Ö¿â as a place that feels like home from the first visit.
“When I think about WIU, I think about the first feeling I had walking on the campus as a high school student,†Teschner said. “The 91²Ö¿âcampus and community immediately felt like home!â€
For Teschner, a Leatherneck symbolizes a tradition of pride and leadership. It is a reminder to fight for the ideals set forth by Colonel Hanson.
“A Leatherneck signifies a sense of pride and leadership,†Teschner said. “Colonel Ray ‘Rock’ Hanson was an American hero, a courageous U.S. Marine, who served in WWI. He embodied bravery, pride and leadership at WIU.â€
Teschner's favorite memory is her involvement in campus events through her resident assistant position.
“My favorite Leatherneck memory is being a resident assistant,†Teschner said. “I became pretty involved with all the Homecoming events and rode on the Lincoln/Washington/Grote float in one of the parades!â€
Teschner earned a Bachelor of Science with majors in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and Sociology in 2007, while also earning a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and Master of Arts in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) in 2013.
In her professional career, Teschner credits 91²Ö¿ânot only for her success, but also for opening the door to growth opportunities and preparing her to contribute to and influence the community.
“The bachelor's and master's degrees I earned from 91²Ö¿âwere instrumental in becoming a police officer and subsequent promotion to sergeant,†Teschner said. “My master's degree from 91²Ö¿âenabled me to become an adjunct faculty member at a local community college, where I contribute to the education of law enforcement students in my community. 91²Ö¿âinstilled in me the values of independence, responsibility, accountability and hard work, which have been essential to my career advancement.â€
During her time on campus, Teschner was involved in Western's All Volunteer Effort (WAVE), 91²Ö¿âCorrections Club and actively participated in the Intramural Sports organized by the Campus Recreation Center.
As students consider furthering their education, Teschner's advice highlights the family-like nature of the 91²Ö¿âcommunity.
“Embrace the close-knit community and treasure the friendships, networking and memories, they'll last forever!†Teschner said. “91²Ö¿âdoesn't just give you an education—91²Ö¿âgives you a family!â€
As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local 91²Ö¿âstudents, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.
To learn more about WIU's programs in Education, LEJA and Sociology, visit wiu.edu/coehs/education/, wiu.edu/leja/programs.php and wiu.edu/academics/majors/arts_and_sciences/sociology.php.
Posted By: University Communications, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606