About Jacob

J. Jacob Kirksey is an Associate Professor of Education Policy at Texas Tech University and Associate Director of the Center for Innovative Research in Change, Leadership, and Education at Texas Tech.

His research focuses on the intersection of education and public policy to strengthen student outcomes and economic opportunity. His work examines the educator workforce, college and career readiness, and factors shaping student well-being and attendance in preK-12 public schools.

Jacob has led research teams conducting program evaluations for school districts, state agencies, and nonprofits across the U.S., and regularly testifies before the Texas Legislature and state boards. His research has been covered by the Associated Press, CBS News, The Texas Tribune, the Houston Chronicle, and The Dallas Morning News, among others.