First Lady Jean Callahan is identifying transformative projects and rolling up her sleeves to make positive changes in the Stockton community.

“I am more involved in the community than in previous cities where we lived, when I was working full time and raising children,” she said. “The pandemic caused delays, but now we are moving forward. There is so much potential for the university and for Stockton.”

Callahan accepted an invitation to join the Miracle Mile Improvement District governing board for the historic shopping area within walking distance of campus. The Mile and the university have a long association going back to when homecoming parades were held on Pacific Avenue (dating at least to the 1940s).

She immediately started working to strengthen Pacific’s relationship and collaboration with The Mile—a palm-tree lined stretch of businesses on Pacific Avenue and Harding Way that includes more than 150 restaurants, retail shops and services. 

“We have been brainstorming ways we can broaden and deepen our relationship,” said Kim Byrd ’91, executive director of the Miracle Mile Improvement District and a Pacific alumna. “It is a symbiotic kind of relationship. We benefit from the university and the university can benefit us. Jean has been very energetic and supportive since she joined us.”

Callahan helped negotiate discounts from Miracle Mile businesses for Pacific students and employees. She also has worked on event planning and beautification of the area.

“I see opportunity with the Miracle Mile to enhance the environment and make it more of a hub for the university, students and the broader community,” said Callahan.

In October, the improvement district received $20 million in funding from the state for use on Miracle Mile projects from 2023-2028.

“We are very excited about this funding and it’s an opportunity to think strategically,” Callahan said.

Callahan also serves on the board of the San Joaquin Community Foundation, an instrumental group which supports disenfranchised and marginalized communities through funding.

“Jean has been an incredibly thoughtful leader and a joy to work with,” said CEO Moses Zapien. “She is engaged in learning more about the community, the issues it faces and how we can make a difference.”

Zapien also points to Callahan’s work on a committee whose charge is to re-brand the organization.

“Her thoughtful input has been a big part of that effort,” he added.

She also is enthusiastic about improving economic development in Stockton and believes “we need more initiatives to build and enhance a professional work force.”

On campus, Callahan continues her work on facilities and making places and spaces more inviting for students and all Pacificans.

Her work has included the Student Veteran’s Center, the welcome center on the ground floor of Burns Tower and the DeRosa University Center.

She is excited about the potential for a proposed on-campus bed and breakfast, the Pacific Inn. The university is considering turning the now-vacant former Delta Delta Delta sorority house into a place that can accommodate visiting parents, families, prospective students, alumni and guests throughout the year.

“There is much to consider including the number of rooms and renovation, but the concept is innovative,” she said. “Imagine people staying on campus for homecoming, commencement, as prospective students and more. There is tremendous opportunity.”

Callahan said her approach to community and campus outreach complements that of her husband.

“We are like-minded in where we see opportunities and have mutual respect and appreciation for each other’s different strengths. We both are Type A personalities with a sense of urgency. We do not think ‘why?’ as much as we think “why not?”