Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Annie Jacobs, Research Methodologist and CalSouthern Faculty

The Career Dr. Annie Jacobs Came Back To

Dr. Annie Jacobs knew by high school that she wanted to study psychology, earn a Ph.D., and eventually become a professor.

Her path there, however, was not direct. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she worked in Human Resources and IT headhunting, founded a successful mid-sized nonprofit, and earned an MBA for that work. Years later, a conversation with her husband brought her original goal back into focus.

Today, Dr. Jacobs works as a Research Methodologist and full-time faculty member at California Southern University, bringing a professional background that spans business, nonprofit leadership, higher education, and doctoral-level academic work.

Psychology Is More Than Feeling Good

One misconception about psychology stands out to Dr. Jacobs.

"The biggest myth is that Psychology is all about feeling good and is not a science," she explains. "In reality, it has strong empirical foundations based on decades of evidence."

She sees psychology as a field that reaches into nearly every part of daily life, from workplace relationships and stress to families, communities, and the ways people understand one another.

That breadth can help students see psychology as more than the study of emotions and recognize its relevance across many areas of life.

Returning to a Goal She Set in High School

Dr. Jacobs first fell in love with psychology in high school and decided then that she wanted to pursue a Ph.D. and become a professor. Her career initially took her in another direction, through Human Resources, IT headhunting, nonprofit leadership, and an MBA.

Years later, a conversation with her husband brought that original goal back into focus. When he encouraged her to pursue it, Jacobs did. Four and a half years later, she had earned her Ph.D. Soon she secured her first teaching position.

Her path into higher education has since included teaching community college, dual-credit, undergraduate, and graduate students, along with doctoral chair work and academic reviews.

For students whose own professional or educational paths have changed over time, Jacobs’ experience offers a reminder that a long-held goal can still find its way back into focus.

“I feel like I need to get pinched to wake up!” Dr. Jacobs beams, “I love my work that much!"

What Keeps Her Motivated

For Dr. Jacobs, one of the most meaningful parts of her work is helping students keep moving forward when things get difficult.

She values the opportunity to “guide students to the finish line” and says CalSouthern strives to encourage students, support them through challenges, and help them persist every step of the way.

That focus on helping students reach their academic goals is part of what makes the work so rewarding for her.

Explore What Your Next Step Could Look Like

Dr. Jacobs’ path back to psychology shows that a career goal does not have to follow a straight timeline. For students considering a change later in life, her story is a reminder that an earlier ambition can still become a meaningful next chapter.

If you are considering your own next step, explore CalSouthern’s degree programs to learn more about options that may fit your educational goals.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2265654 09/2026