Jackman honored
A group of alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Pfeiffer University has raised more than $50,000 to name Pfeiffer’s analytical chemistry lab to honor Dr. Don Jackman, a retired and beloved professor.
The funds will be used to purchase a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) to ensure future generations of Pfeiffer students have access to increased science education preparation.
“The new tool will honor Jackman’s educational legacy,” said Dr. Mark McCallum, dean of the School of Natural and Health Sciences and professor of biology.
Jackman was a chemistry professor who served the institution 41 years and had a a positive impact on the School of Natural and Health Sciences, according to McCallum.
Dozens of past and present science faculty, current and former science students, Pfeiffer administrators and staff gathered last April for a retirement dinner to celebrate Jackman’s rich legacy. He retired in May.
The GC/MS will be used in both biology and chemistry courses and by undergraduate research students, McCallum said. The instrument is an analytical chemistry tool that will allow students to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate a solution containing a number of chemicals, but its uses are numerous. GC/MS is used extensively in the medical, pharmacological, environmental and law enforcement fields.
Jackman also is a past chair of the chemistry department. A Tennessee native, he received a bachelor’s degree from Maryville College and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. He lives in Gold Hill with wife Jane, who is the executive director of the Arc/Rowan.