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Since joining the Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Manchester faculty in 1998, Dr. Barbara Jago has challenged her students to become braver, stronger and more thoughtful. Jago, associate professor ofÌý, has taught courses in relational communication for two decades, inspiring students with her passion and knowledge on identity, gender, family communicationÌýand more.

Jago’s courses are hands-on and interactive, encouraging students to explore personal, cultural, socialÌýand political topics through open dialogue. Her dedication to fostering her students’ social, emotional and intellectual growth earned her Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 2004.

Creating an inclusive learning environment is central to Jago’s teaching philosophy. She received the 2016 Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Women’s Commission Faculty Award for her efforts in making the University a safe, welcoming environment for women. Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø also presented Jago with the 2013 Kidder Award for her commitment to educating students and colleagues about gender identity and sexual orientation—and for creating a safe and respectful forum for discussion.

In addition to teaching, Jago serves as chair of the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences and is an active researcher in the field of relational communication. Her research seeks to understand how we make sense of ourselves and our relationships through storytelling, and how we can use that understanding to improve our individual and collective lives. Jago has been published in a variety of academic journals, includingÌýQualitative Inquiry,ÌýJournal of Loss and Trauma, andÌýJournal of Contemporary Ethnography.

Jago earned a Ph.D. in Communication and M.A. in Secondary Social Science Education from the University of South Florida, an M.A. in Cinema Studies from New York UniversityÌýand a B.A. from Smith College.

What do you like best about your job?

Our students. We have the best students in the world! They are smart, thoughtful, and creative, and work diligently to earn their degrees. Teaching them is a privilege.

What is your favorite Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø Manchester memory?

Every graduation ceremony for the past 20 years.

Tell us your favorite:

• Manchester restaurant:ÌýRoyal India
• Ò×ʤ²©¹ÙÍø destination:ÌýKayaking on Umbagog Lake
• Book:ÌýThe Liar’s ClubÌýby Mary Karr
• Movie:ÌýAnnie Hall
• Childhood book:ÌýAny Nancy Drew book
• Childhood TV show:ÌýThe Wonderful World of Disney

What are your hobbies?

Kayaking, hikingÌýand traveling.

Best vacation ever?

Barcelona. I love the architect Gaudi and Barcelona is filled with his buildings. The Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are especially impressive.

We’d be surprised to know that…

I love watching true crime stories.

Which 3 famous people, living or dead, would you want at your fantasy dinner party?

Margaret Sanger, Martin Luther KingÌýand Dorothy Parker.

As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

AÌýNational GeographicÌýphotographer.

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