Doris Jackson-Shazier – FSU alumna (B.S. Sociology ‘08) – published her book “Raising Justice: Lessons Learned Through Motherhood” in July 2024.
The book chronicles Jackson-Shazier’s journey from being a 19-year-old pregnant college student to raising a 19-year-old college graduate. It addresses the challenges and profound connection that exists in a mother-daughter relationship, drawing on personal experience and biblical teachings.
“FSU is a backdrop to the powerful story of resilience,” Jackson-Shazier said. “I am proud to still have graduated, although it wasn’t the typical college experience.”
Jackson-Shazier received her bachelor’s in sociology with minors in communications and African American studies. She balanced her academics with working a full-time job and raising her daughter.
When I needed additional support for my classes, I was able to join the CARE program and receive tutoring and access to additional resources.
“FSU’s additional resources outside of the classroom were a game changer for a student like me to preserve and make it to graduation,” Jackson-Shazier said, citing FSU’s Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program, Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), and tutoring with the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) as being critical to her success.
After graduating in 2008, Jackson-Shazier worked as a manager, district manager, regional director, senior director of leadership development, and diversity council president for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.
Jackson-Shazier currently serves as a leadership coach and management consultant through her consulting firm, where she supports medium and large companies in leadership development. She is also pursuing her MBA with a focus in organizational management from Eastern University.
“My degree in sociology has given me a competitive advantage in working in sales and hospitality,” Jackson-Shazier said. “Having a deeper understanding of human behavior has allowed me to be a better leader and communicator.”
Jackson-Shazier is registered through FSU’s Career Center as a ProfessioNole mentor, where she connects with mentees who have similar career interests and academic experiences.
When asked what advice she would give current FSU students, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a people-first mindset in any industry. She currently runs a leadership and management consulting firm, Shazier Coaching & Consulting, where she she utilizes this mindset to help clients meet their business goals and achieve success.
For more information about FSU’s Sociology program, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/sociology. To learn more about the FSU Career Center’s ProfessioNole mentorship program, visit career.fsu.edu/mentorfsu.