Alumnae Spotlight

Michala D’Ercole Jacobson ‘94

Michala D’Ercole Jacobson ’94 found her purpose and passion for education, coaching and leadership as a student at College of Saint Mary. That led to a career as a teacher, principal and softball coach, including for her alma mater.

“I often look back on my years at CSM and realize it was where I challenged myself to get involved, join clubs and organizations and have my voice heard,” said Michala, whose sister, Michele D’Ercole Pohlman ’93, also graduated from CSM. “The people at CSM – the professors, my peers and teammates, and mentors -- were always there to push me and guide me to the best version of myself that I could be. I was able to build genuine and authentic relationships with those around me, practice my faith in a non-threatening environment and be a competitor in all aspects of my life.”

CSM helped Michala develop as a leader while earning her elementary and early childhood education degree. She was involved in numerous clubs, activities and organizations. She was also named captain of the softball team, was involved in Toastmasters, and served as president of the CSM chapter of the Student Education Association of Nebraska.

“While at CSM, small class sizes helped me by being able to have real and deep conversations with professors, allowed for a one-on-one with academics, and the professors positioned me to learn how to network and grow in my field of study,” she said.

Following graduation, Michala was hired as a teacher at St. Bernadette and St. Gerald Catholic schools, becoming assistant principal and then principal at St. Gerald. In 2003, Michala returned to CSM to coach the Flames Softball Team. The Flames won the MCAC conference tournament and NAIA Region IV tournament before participating in the 2004 NAIA Nationals. She served as the admissions and enrollment director for Gross Catholic High School and the school’s head varsity softball coach, winning two district championships and taking two teams to the Nebraska State Softball Championship.

A highlight for Michala was the opportunity to teach, work and lead in the same schools she attended. Michala attended St. Gerald, Gross Catholic and, of course, CSM.

After working at Gross Catholic, Michala became a special education teacher at Papillion La Vista Community Schools. “Working with children with special needs helped me understand my own son who has Down Syndrome in a new light and gave me a great appreciation for special education teachers,” she said.

Michala is currently an assistant for Kernen Partners, LLC.

In addition to her sister, Michala’s daughter, Emily Jacobson Wordekemper ’22 graduated from CSM with a degree in nursing and competed on the swim team.

Michala was one of nine alumnae honored with the Alumni Achievement Award during Homecoming on Sept. 21.