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Alumna Jackie Teschner.
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125 Anniversary Celebration: Jackie Teschner

April 30, 2025

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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, IL - - Alumna Jackie Teschner describes Western Illinois University 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 WIU campus and community immediately felt like home!"

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."

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!"

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 WIU not 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 WIU were instrumental in becoming a police officer and subsequent promotion to sergeant," Teschner said. "My master's degree from WIU enabled 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. WIU instilled in me the values of independence, responsibility, accountability and hard work, which have been essential to my career advancement."

During her time on campus, Teschner was involved in Western's All Volunteer Effort (WAVE), WIU Corrections 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 WIU community.

"Embrace the close-knit community and treasure the friendships, networking and memories, they'll last forever!" Teschner said. "WIU doesn't just give you an education—WIU gives you a family!"

As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU students, 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 (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing