Sharon R. Ishii-Jordan, Ph.D., was born in Japan and raised on three continents as her father took his family with him in dedication to his Air Force career up to his retirement. She then returned to the family’s hometown where she attended Beveridge Jr. High, before graduating from Burke High in 1973. Her lifelong interest in education led her to UNO on a Regents Scholarship toward a degree in elementary and special education. Upon graduation, Sharon went to Japan to teach English for 13 months, returned to Omaha to teach special education at Monroe Jr. High, and then left for California where she completed a master’s degree in special education from the University of the Pacific. Her path as an educator led her to teaching students with behavioral/emotional concerns at the former Richard Young Hospital, subsequently serving as the program director/principal. She eventually found herself commuting full-time to UN-L for her doctorate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Administration, and continued the commute as an assistant professor in special education at UN-L. After 5 years, Sharon accepted a position at Creighton University rising from professor to department chair, and finally to associate dean. In her post-retirement stage, Sharon continues part-time work supervising student teachers and serving on doctoral committees at Creighton, substitute teaching in OPS (including Burke High special education), and doing presentations and research.
Throughout her path in education, Sharon enjoyed a wonderful 43-year marriage to her husband Bill, raised two wonderful children from the Philippines and Brazil, and delighted in her activities with her granddaughter, especially after her retirement from Creighton. Her desire to keep learning and being afforded the opportunity to grow in international locations led to her love of travel. She has made it to all 50 US states, all 7 continents, and put her feet in all 5 oceans. Her special fond travels have been to Japan to stay in touch with relatives and to Northeast India where she has been involved in teacher development, taken Creighton students for study-abroad summers, and welcomed two host daughters into her home from the tribal region of Nagaland.
Service completes her life as Sharon continues to be active with her church (doing readings, distributing Communion at a hospital, and serving on the social justice committee); with the Japanese American Citizens League (serving on the board, teaching Japanese dance, engaging in policy work at the district & national levels); with the Nebraska Asian Pacific American Leadership Alliance (examining API interests in policies, cultural preservation, and communication); with Nebraska’s Radio Talking Book Services for visually challenged recording magazine articles and books weekly for listeners; and with Douglas County poll worker responsibilities.
Sharon’s life has been full: filled with gratitude, reciprocal love, and the support of family/friends.
