
Jan Jacobs
Jan Jacobs first came to Denver as a student at Loretto Heights College. She concluded her college years at Northeastern State University and the University of Oklahoma earning a BS and MS in Education. Over the years she has served in numerous roles, always with the focus of providing insight, understanding and education regarding the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. More recently she was the Master Teacher and Associate Adjunct Curator for Native Arts Department at the Denver Art Museum. After leaving the Museum, she worked for the Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Washington, DC. In that role, she served as the liaison between the Census Bureau and the 574 federally recognized tribes, numerous state recognized American Indian tribes and many national and regional AIAN organizations. She assisted the Census Bureau in understanding the data needs of tribes and helping tribes access data pertinent to their governmental and funding needs. She retired in 2012 and returned to Denver.
Jan continues her involvement in the American Indian community in Denver serving as the Chair of the Denver Art Museum’s Indigenous Community Advisory Council. She has been a visiting artist for the Denver Art Museum, sharing her love of Osage ribbon work with visitors and school groups. She is also an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal church. She will be a conduit for Paddington and St. Luke’s as they continue their relationship as neighbors and supporters of the surrounding community. Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, Jan will serve as the DEI ambassador on the Board of Trustees and also serves on the Governance committee.
Jan Jacobs first came to Denver as a student at Loretto Heights College. She concluded her college years at Northeastern State University and the University of Oklahoma earning a BS and MS in Education. Over the years she has served in numerous roles, always with the focus of providing insight, understanding and education regarding the American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. More recently she was the Master Teacher and Associate Adjunct Curator for Native Arts Department at the Denver Art Museum. After leaving the Museum, she worked for the Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Washington, DC. In that role, she served as the liaison between the Census Bureau and the 574 federally recognized tribes, numerous state recognized American Indian tribes and many national and regional AIAN organizations. She assisted the Census Bureau in understanding the data needs of tribes and helping tribes access data pertinent to their governmental and funding needs. She retired in 2012 and returned to Denver.
Jan continues her involvement in the American Indian community in Denver serving as the Chair of the Denver Art Museum’s Indigenous Community Advisory Council. She has been a visiting artist for the Denver Art Museum, sharing her love of Osage ribbon work with visitors and school groups. She is also an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal church. She will be a conduit for Paddington and St. Luke’s as they continue their relationship as neighbors and supporters of the surrounding community. Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, Jan will serve as the DEI ambassador on the Board of Trustees and also serves on the Governance committee.
As the I’ko (grandmother) to twelve wonderful grandchildren, ages 1 year to 18, she is dedicated to help each grow and flourish. Children are the Creator’s gift, not to be taken lightly, but to be appreciated and respected.
Jan has one grandson currently enrolled at Paddington and two that have moved on to Kindergarten and first grade. Next year she will have one more grandson coming to Paddington. All said, Jan is an invested member of the Board and appreciates the opportunity to serve and be part of the vibrant community of Paddington!
Jan has one grandson currently enrolled at Paddington and two that have moved on to Kindergarten and first grade. Next year she will have one more grandson coming to Paddington. All said, Jan is an invested member of the Board and appreciates the opportunity to serve and be part of the vibrant community of Paddington!