Meet Jackey Collier ‘98, an RMU alumnus who is a US Navy veteran and former Allegheny County employee, exemplifying what it means to be unstoppable.

Jackey’s time at Robert Morris University was formed by her unique circumstances as a nontraditional student. As she was balancing her responsibilities as a full-time employee, student, and parent, she appreciated the flexibility of the old Saturday program, which allowed students to get a 4-year degree on Saturdays.

“I was a nontraditional student and I went through the old Saturday program, which you can get your 4-year degree on Saturdays, and it included the fall, spring, and summer sessions, in order to complete the degree… which was convenient because, at the time, I was a single or solo parent. I have two daughters, and I was working full-time… it allowed me to work, care for my daughters, and go to school to get my degree…”

Her decision to come to RMU was influenced by hearing good things about the university from her friends and peers and the program’s structure.

“... The program itself and I had a friend that was… going and heard great things about it, so I figured I’d give it a try…”

After graduating with her bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1998, Jackey forged a career with Allegheny County, where she dedicated many years of public service before retiring back in 2023.

“I worked for Allegheny County… after Robert Morris… The majority of the time, I was working in risk management… and I retired from there in 2023.”

Although she retired in 2023, retirement hasn’t slowed Jackey down, as she continues to contribute to her community through consulting and administrative work for nonprofits, which includes online businesses and communities. She also serves as a doula and offers families support in one’s most critical moments of life.

“I do consulting for a nonprofit and I do their administrative operations as well as… currently working on building the online community and online business… for the August Wilson House… I also am a doula…”

Jackey remains connected with the RMU community and stays true to her US Navy veteran roots, as she attends the Veterans Day Brunch every year.

“It’s a great program and I am a veteran… I love supporting RMU and their veteran’s program…”

For Jackey, and the many men and women who have served and continue to serve, Veterans Day is about honoring all the men and women who serve, including the Navy, Marines, Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force. It’s a day that also recognizes the many sacrifices made by those who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our country.

“I was born to serve and just being a Navy veteran… that was part of the service that I did in my life. So it’s important to recognize veterans…” Jackey said. “I was on regular active duty from April 1, 1982, to March 31, 1987. I was a reservist after that and I actually did almost two years as an active duty reservist during reserve recruiting.”

Jackey’s commitment to service extends beyond the military and into her everyday life, which is why she wanted to share a short message with the Colonial community.

“I… think it’s important to always give back.”