Dr. Veronica Jammer, San Jacinto College RN-to-BSN department chair, has dedicated over three decades to nursing and education. Beginning her journey at the College in 1988, Jammer has contributed significantly through her teaching and leadership roles.
Since 2020, Jammer has led the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, guiding its development and implementation, but she started at the College as a part-time faculty member. She has taught courses from fundamentals of nursing and medical/surgical nursing to pediatrics and leadership/management. Her previous leadership roles included associate degree nursing department chair and health science dean.
Dr. Veronica Jammer
Jammer’s path to nursing was shaped by early experiences and a natural inclination to care for others. Her first nursing experience happened at age 5 on Christmas Eve.
“My baby brother hit his head and began bleeding profusely,” said Jammer. “I jumped into action and stopped the bleeding. The rest is history.”
Her role as the oldest of five children also ingrained in her the responsibilities of caregiving, which further motivated her to pursue nursing. She started her vocational nursing education at 15. She continued her journey and earned a BSN, MSN, nurse practitioner, and finally a Ph.D.
“I have always appreciated education, especially knowing that not so many years ago it was illegal for people of color to read and write,” Jammer said. “I also feel a sense of responsibility to let others know that a little girl from the Fifth Ward in Houston can provide a snapshot of what can happen with a made-up mind, persistence, resilience, and commitment to excellence.”
Both challenges and joys have marked Jammer’s professional journey. The loss of her parents, best friend, and two aunts during her doctoral program was a significant hardship. However, she finds immense joy in students’ success, witnessing their progression through semesters, graduation, and their workforce contributions.
“I have experienced, on occasion, previous students who were assigned as my nurse or a family member’s nurse,” said Jammer. “The professionalism, compassion, caring, and competency demonstrated by these professionals are exceptional.”
Jammer’s own journey has inspired many students. She shares her experiences, including the challenges of balancing family, work, and education and even failing a class in the final semester of her BSN program. But her story instills them with hope and encouragement.
“I was the only one who could fix it,” she said.
Outside her professional responsibilities, Jammer is actively involved in various organizations, including Sigma Theta Tau, the Texas Nurses Association, and more. Her interests include women’s health, children’s/adolescent health, and health disparities in minority populations. She also volunteers with mentoring young women, The Fellowship of Purpose Church’s Flourish Women’s Ministry, Congregational Care Ministry, and Senior Saints Ministry.
Jammer’s hobbies include reading, travel, and shopping, and she treasures time spent with her family, including her three children and three grandchildren. She attributes her successful journey to her strong relationship with God.
“The key for me was to trust God… ‘God does not give us a vision without provision to achieve a goal,’” she said.
A story of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to nursing and education, Jammer is carving a legacy at San Jac. She continues to demonstrate the profound impact one person can make on a community.
By Jacquelynn Conger
