Contact: Emily Springer, Communication Manager, Communication and Information Technology, University Outreach and Engagement, sprin116@msu.edu

East Lansing, MI—Jessica Barnes-Najor, Ph.D., director for community partnerships in the Office for Public Engagement and Scholarship within University Outreach and Engagement (UOE), was recently named to the Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship (ACES). 

ACES is an international academy of scholars that recognizes exceptional leaders who unite academics and communities to benefit society. Their work connects higher education institutions, policymakers, and community leaders to address complex societal issues while advancing policy development, evidence-based practices, and high-impact community-engaged scholarship.

“Dr. Barnes-Najor is an exemplary representation of Michigan State’s commitment to university-community partnerships, particularly with Indigenous and Native communities,” said MSU Provost Laura Lee McIntyre. “Her work exemplifies how meaningful collaboration can advance both scholarship and community well-being. Her expertise and leadership will strengthen the Academy’s efforts to advance the practice and scholarship of community engagement, and I look forward to seeing the impact of her work in the years ahead.”

Barnes-Najor, a developmental psychologist, earned a Ph.D. in psychology from Michigan State University in 2003, launching a career focused on building meaningful community-engaged partnerships with American Indian and Alaska Native early childhood programs.

Barnes-Najor’s current research explores how Native language and cultural experiences shape Indigenous children’s development and the factors that support positive developmental outcomes for children from diverse backgrounds.

In 2005, Barnes-Najor co-founded Wiba Anung (“Early Star”), a partnership between MSU and the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan to support the health and well-being of Indigenous children and families in Michigan. 

Built on long-standing relationships with Tribal partners and communities, the initiative reflects a commitment to community-engaged scholarship that centers Indigenous perspectives in research and program development.

“Dr. Barnes-Najor has built her career on trust, respect, and authentic partnerships with communities,” said Kwesi Brookins, vice provost for University Outreach and Engagement, who was inducted into ACES in 2024. “Her commitment to partnering with Tribal communities has advanced our understanding of Indigenous child development while ensuring that research is grounded in community knowledge, priorities, and strengths. We’re proud to see her dedication to these communities recognized by ACES.”

Most recently, Barnes-Najor co-led the Opioid Settlement Technical Assistance Center, a statewide partnership between Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The initiative brought together university and community expertise to support local communities in addressing the opioid crisis through evidence-based planning, implementation support, and evaluation of programs designed to strengthen local responses to opioid use and overdose.

Barnes-Najor was formally inducted during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in recognition of contributions to community-engaged scholarship and university-community partnerships.