NEWS

NM EPSCoR State Committee Co-Chair John “Jack” Jekowski passed away on July 28, 2026. His contributions remain woven throughout New Mexico’s research and education ecosystems and he will be truly missed. 

“Jack Jekowski is one of the most intelligent, honest, thoughtful, and giving persons I have ever known.” - Barbara Kimbell 

When New Mexico first joined the National Science Foundation's EPSCoR program, former NM EPSCoR Director Barbara Kimbell immediately approached Jack Jekowski to chair the newly formed NM EPSCoR Advisory Committee. Kimbell had previously met Jack through a local advocacy group championing education reform legislation and remembered the “wise counsel, dry wit, and negotiating skills” he often deployed to rescue imploding meetings. “I could always depend on Jack,” she said, and true to form, he accepted the role and served on the Committee for more than two decades. 

It marked the beginning of a relationship that would help guide NM EPSCoR through five major NSF-funded research projects, numerous leadership transitions, and countless changes across New Mexico's research and higher education landscape. 

“Jack understood that meaningful progress requires vision, collaboration, and a willingness to remain committed for the long haul,” said NM EPSCoR Director Gunny Balakrishnan. “The continuity he provided allowed NM EPSCoR to grow without losing sight of New Mexico's long-term interests.” 

Throughout those years, Jack became a trusted advisor, connector, and advocate. Whether reviewing statewide research priorities, onboarding a new director, or representing New Mexico at national NSF EPSCoR conferences, he approached every task with enthusiasm and curiosity. “His ability to stay informed across an extraordinary range of fields was unmatched, as was his gift for synthesizing complex ideas and identifying meaningful connections,” recalled NM EPSCoR Associate Director Selena Connealy. “He could bring together perspectives from different disciplines and help people find common ground.” 

Despite his many responsibilities, Jack never viewed any contribution as beneath him. In 2019, during a transition in communications staff, Jack stepped in to prepare a newsletter article summarizing the national NSF EPSCoR conference for colleagues unable to attend. The resulting piece offered a thoughtful analysis of emerging STEM research priorities, federal research initiatives, and opportunities that could help position New Mexico for future success. 

That willingness to help whenever and however it was needed was characteristic of Jack's approach to service. Often, colleagues turned to him for historical perspective, strategic advice, or simply a steady hand during periods of uncertainty. “Working with Jack Jekowski at NM EPSCoR was a true privilege. When I arrived newly on the NM EPSCoR scene in 2015, he was welcoming, supportive, and generous in sharing his deep expertise in science and technology planning and research in New Mexico,” reflected former NM EPSCoR Associate Director Anne Jakle. Former NM EPSCOR Director William Michener shared, “When an opportunity to positively impact his fellow New Mexicans arose, Jack inevitably said ‘yes’ and then worked tirelessly to make it happen. He will be missed, but his spirit lives on in all those whom he impacted.” 

Jekowski remained actively involved in the work of NM EPSCoR until the final months of his life. In May 2026, he chaired a meeting of the NM EPSCoR State Committee, and in June, he wrote the introductory letter for the New Mexico Science and Technology Plan for Basic Sciences and Fundamental Research. His letter spoke to the accomplishments of the EPSCoR program in New Mexico and to ongoing efforts to expand state capacity in basic science and research. He concluded with a final message that we'd all do well to remember on those difficult days that litter the road of progress in research: “Our future success is only limited by our imagination and dreams...” 

For more than 25 years, Jack helped New Mexico imagine what was possible and worked patiently and persistently to make it real. For those who knew him best, his lasting legacy will be found just as much in the friendships he built, the guidance he offered, and the example he set. Jack will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and affection by the many people whose lives and work were better because he was part of them. 

Please note: We received far more heartfelt remembrances and kind words about Jack than could be included in a single article. Indeed, he will be missed.