Jacqueline (Jackie) Vella Mallinson once said, “I have always believed that—to use a trite phrase—‘teachers are born, not made.’ And I seemed to have been a ‘born teacher.’” 
A beloved professor emerita, Jackie passed away on Jan. 15, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She not only left an indelible mark in the field of science education but also at Western Michigan University. Jackie’s mother, a former schoolteacher, ignited her passion for education at an early age.
“I may be biased,” said her grandson, Matthew Childers (M.A.’12, Philosophy), “but her commitment to science education and her students was unparalleled. Her exceptionality will be truly hard to replicate.”
Earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Kalamazoo College in 1948, Jackie then went on to receive a master’s degree in science education and guidance counseling from the University of Michigan, where she met her future husband. Dr. George Mallinson and Jackie married in 1954 and became instrumental in the development of WMU’s graduate programs, particularly in science education.
George passed away in 1994. He served as the dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Western, and together with Jackie, paved the way for the establishment of the Mallinson Institute for Science Education (MISE). The MISE advances knowledge through research to improve the teaching and learning of science, in and out of the classroom.
A Passion for Knowledge, A Heart for Giving
Jackie’s devotion to her profession was profound. She co-authored textbooks, ran seminars, trained teachers and published over 400 articles. Her work garnered numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from WMU in 2006. Dr. Russel Siebert (1908-2000), vice president emeritus for academic affairs, once wrote of her: “Teacher par excellence, scholar, author, gracious hostess, culinary artist—this is the way a citation would begin if we were to prepare one about you to be read at some public ceremony.”
Beyond her professional achievements, Mallinson was a mentor and role model. Many of her former students considered her to be like their own grandmother.
As accomplished as Jackie was professionally, her world revolved around her family. Over the 40 years of their marriage, she and George raised four children. Later in her life, she formed a special bond with and attended milestone events for each of her 10 grandchildren and became a loving figure to her 10 great-grandchildren.
Jackie relished traveling, kayaking (even into her mid-90s), taking friends on boat tours around the Les Cheneaux Islands, baking and making people feel loved. She was famous for her hospitality, hosting dinners for faculty or visiting scholars, and her holiday meals and family gatherings.
“Her warmth and generosity were felt by all who knew her,” Matthew said.
Jackie was also enthusiastic about record keeping, archiving her family’s history and genealogy as well as anything that interested her or those she cared about. A dedicated philanthropist, she gave to Western Michigan University for a total of 49 years (47 consecutively).
“She was so proud to see and hear about the progress at the Mallinson Institute,” Matthew added. “WMU was near and dear to her.”
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mallinson Institute for Science Education at wmich.edu/science/giving.