We are jackson college Fall 2016 by Jackson College

J U LY 2 0 1 6 | VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1

College affirms its total commitment to student success Success. At Jackson College, student success is our highest priority. Just as students in the classroom have subjects to master and objectives to be completed, Jackson College has done its homework to ensure student success. “Jackson College set out on a journey five years ago to remake itself, one that is redesigned, recommitted and redoubled in focus and action toward student success – we call it Total Commitment to Student Success or TCS2,” said President Daniel J. Phelan.

TC S2

Total Commitment to Student Success ON THE COVER:

Student Success Navigator Kelly Maxwell (left) meets with student Hunter Teunion-Smith. Student success navigators are one of several initiatives underway at Jackson College as part of its Total Commitment to Student Success, or TCS2.

“To that end, our Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff have been unrelenting in our innovative planning, research, strategy and operational efforts to ensure a greater level of achievement for all concerned. As a testament to this charge, our College’s First Belief is that ‘the success of our students is always our top priority’ and, as such, it guides our daily work.” That commitment to success is the College’s way of saying that, in all that we do, we are

unswerving in our focus on assisting students to succeed, whether through completion of their program of study, obtaining a credential of market value, or transferring to a baccalaureategranting institution, Phelan added. “The goal of TCS2 is to make student success inescapable, to make it bullet-proof,” said Kristi Hottenstein, vice president of student services.

Investing in People To accomplish this, the College has increased the number of people serving students in both the admissions and student services areas. Admissions staff helps students make a good start, and new student services personnel -now called student success navigators -- help students persist and complete their goals.

“Jackson College set out on a journey five years ago to remake itself, one that is redesigned, recommitted and redoubled in focus and action toward student success – we call it Total Commitment to Student Success or TCS2.”

- Dr. Daniel J. Phelan, President In 2014, the College established a specific admissions department dedicated to welcoming prospective students to campus. They reach out to area high schools and guide new students through the enrollment and orientation process. To help students persist, extensive research has found a personal connection to a college employee helps. College officials studied several models and found an expanded advisor model – called success coaches or student coaches – to be the best choice for Jackson. One college studied, Kennedy-King College of Chicago, quadrupled their number of academic advisors and required regular monitoring and intervention by advisors of their students. Kennedy-King’s three-year graduation rate tripled in just four years and is now above the national community college average. “Retention is a by-product of a good educational experience. Intentional, comprehensive advising is a way that students can feel more connected to campus and feel like someone is looking out for them,” Hottenstein said. Following these success coach models to boost that “personal touch,” in 2015 the Board of Trustees provided the financial decision that allowed the College to hire the first wave of student success navigators – personnel who serve not only as academic advisors but as the student’s academic, financial and total resource advocate or coach. Previously, each advisor at the College worked with an average of 1,468 students, which made it difficult to offer more than a “transactional” level of service. With the hiring of the second wave of navigators, that ratio has dropped to below 300 to 1, allowing navigators to be more relational in

greatly improved,” Hottenstein said, citing a Student Satisfaction Inventory where Jackson College was well above the national average. Introducing this innovative action is one of the reasons why Jackson College is routinely benchmarked by other community colleges around the country, selected for grant opportunities, and nationally recognized, Phelan said. Plans are to have the initiative fully operational later this year. “Our Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to raise tuition over two years in order to establish a ‘relationship/clientbased’ model of supporting students, through the student success navigators,” Phelan said. “In time, as we continue to grow in our understanding of student success strategies and consequent revenues, we will build upon other core areas of the College, advance our talent base and build upon previous successes, all leading to a more vibrant community college, enhanced student outcomes, and more educationally enhanced communities which we serve. We are excited about the future.” their interactions with the students who are specifically assigned to them. Navigators and students regularly meet – in person and by phone, message or e-mail – to guide students through their entire college experience and stay on track. Over the past two years, the College has invested more than a million dollars in hiring 12 new navigators, and six existing advisors have received additional training to serve as navigators. Training and professional development opportunities have helped navigators do the job set before them. “We’ve already seen that internal and external customer satisfaction data has

“Retention is a by-product of a good educational experience. Intentional, comprehensive advising is a way that students can feel more connected to campus and feel like someone is looking out for them.” – Dr. Kristi Hottenstein, Vice President of Student Services

We Are Jackson College

Khamarah Willis is a 2016 graduate who plans to transfer to Spring Arbor University to complete her bachelor’s degree. “I have found that the staff and everyone are very helpful,” Willis said. “I feel that every staff member I’ve come in contact with has taken that commitment to heart, and they have what is best for me in mind.” Pathways to Success Jackson College wants to give all students a clear plan to complete a college degree. Another effort to boost success is called guided pathways, which will allow students an easier time navigating through academic requirements. Each of the six pathways is a broad content area, a kind of “meta-major.”

They are: • Business & Computer Technology • Health Science • Human Services • Liberal Arts • Science, Engineering & Math • Skilled Trades & Agriculture Pathways provide students a clear program of study schedule, with milestones marked along the way to support their progress. “This effort is all about getting students on a clear path from start to finish,” said Provost Rebekah Woods. New students will enroll in a seminar class to help them identify their own strengths, passions and values to help find a career program or field. If a student completes the seminar course and still can’t decide on a program, then exploratory plans are available within each pathway, and these will move the student toward a credential while they are still exploring options. As they progress, student success navigators will work with students to help them stay on track. “Go to any college’s website and imagine having to pick a major and select courses toward a degree. Your head will spin!” said Professor Ted Miller. “The work our faculty has done to group our programs into six broad pathways and design clear maps toward completion will make students’ college journey far less daunting.” In recognition of its national leadership and work to date, Jackson College was selected as one of 30 community colleges nationwide for development of a national pathways model. Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, together with institutional resources, this project provides an expanded opportunity to further enhance

the College’s work aimed at guiding students to a successful experience at Jackson College. More than 100 members of the faculty, staff and administration from across the College have been involved in the pathways planning. While program maps and exploratory pathways have been created, students will still work with their student success navigator as they progress, as each individual comes in with different needs. And while each pathway offers a course plan from start to finish, students are not locked in if they change their minds. But, again, in working with their student success navigator, they will understand what changes will mean to their goals and completion.

“I have found that the staff and everyone are very helpful,” Willis said. “I feel that every staff member I’ve come in contact with has taken that commitment to heart, and they have what is best for me in mind.”

- Khamarah Willis, 2016 Jackson College graduate

July 2016

Outstanding perform a Outstanding Faculty Award winner understands students

Teaching draws musician, jazz singer back to classroom

Like some of her students, medical assistant Program Director Dr. Kristin Spencer took time finding the right career. Find her fit she did.

Cynthia Valentine has been a public school teacher and traveled the country as a jazz singer. She’s hit a high note as an adjunct music instructor at Jackson College – she is the 2016 Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award winner!

Spencer is the 2016 J. Ward Preston Outstanding Faculty Award winner, presented annually for excellence in teaching and outstanding rapport with students. She came to Jackson College six years ago to teach and coordinate the medical assistant program. Working in the health care field wasn’t Spencer’s first plan after high school. She had started college, then stopped out and worked various jobs. With experience as a receptionist, she took a job in receptionist/ billing in a doctor’s office. She enjoyed the environment but quickly realized that medical assistants were able to provide something more to patients than she could as the person asking for payment. She decided to try medical assisting. “I was the one nobody ever thought would be in health care. Then I realized I loved it,” Spencer said. She worked in several medical offices over the years. During a layoff from one job, she and a friend were having a garage sale and by chance, she ran into a past teacher who suggested she try teaching. She did and found a new way to help people. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Baker College and completed a doctorate from Capella University. In addition to teaching, Spencer created new allied health programs for the College and oversees others. “This is a field that I am passionate about, and I think that really helps,” she said. “To be able to get others excited and passionate about it, that’s rewarding.”

We Are Jackson College

Valentine has taught Understanding Music, History of American Popular Music, and Applied Voice at Jackson College for three years. She started playing piano at age 5 and attended The Ohio State University as a music major where her principal instrument was alto saxophone. After completing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she taught for 10 years in the public schools and then resigned to perform full time. She moved to Nashville, taught herself to play guitar and made a living as a jazz singer. She recorded three CDs as Cynthia Kaay Bennett, coproducing the first two and producing the third all by herself. They have played on more than 50 radio stations here and abroad. She toured around the U.S. for more than seven years. When she got married in 2005 to husband, Kirk, she moved to Adrian. “After singing all over the country for 26 years, I felt drawn back to teaching,” Valentine said. “To have the opportunity to share that love of music and love of learning with others was something I missed.” She makes her classes fun for her students. Through activities like Jazz Jeopardy, she brings musical styles and periods alive for her students. She hopes they leave with a better appreciation for music. “It’s been a special three years for me at Jackson College. I have felt very welcomed and valued,” Valentine said.

m ance celebrated Norris helps today’s students enjoy opportunities

College helps Clone find her perfect career field

Darrell Norris’s life was changed as a student at Jackson College. Today, he works to ensure that future students have that same opportunity!

Marcie Clone wasn’t sure what she wanted to do when she graduated from college; working at Jackson College showed her opportunities she’d never imagined.

Norris serves as vice president of finance at Jackson College, and his efforts were recognized with the 2016 Outstanding Administrator Award. Going to college wasn’t Norris’s first priority after high school, but working six weeks in a factory showed him that wasn’t what he wanted. A Concord High graduate, he enrolled at Jackson College, first hoping to become a nurse. After taking a couple business electives, he changed his program to business administration, finding his true calling and earning his associate degree. He continued his studies with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Siena Heights University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University. In his position, he oversees the College’s finances and the business office, which manages everything from student accounts to payroll to the payment of outside vendors, as well as state and federal budget reporting. As the chief budget officer, he watches the College’s revenues and expenses for trends to be sure the operating budget is balanced and income and expenses are appropriately aligned with actual activity. “Our day is spent driving the resources that students need to succeed,” Norris said. “Going to college changed my life. Now, to be involved in the College as an administrator and to help other students get that opportunity, that’s what I enjoy most.” Norris is married to wife, Bree, and they have two daughters, Pyper and Emma. Away from work he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting and fishing, and using his finance and budgeting skills to help in the community.

For her work and dedication, Clone, who serves as administrative systems coordinator in information technology, is the 2016 Outstanding Support Staff Award winner. Clone is the go-to person for the student information database system, Colleague, and oversees the room scheduling and housing software systems. She is part of the enterprise technologies team, which offers support to several college wide applications. “I work a lot with end-users, how to best use Colleague to do their processes and how to best serve students.” She enjoys the many people that she gets to work with and helping others to do their jobs better. She received her associate degree from Jackson Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in biology and statistics from Grand Valley State University. She also earned a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I got out of college,” she said. She started as a temporary employee in student services and then was hired full time with the former CARE program, and later as assistant to the dean of students, before joining information technology. “Things have fallen into place for me here at Jackson College. I’ve grown up and changed into a completely different person. I learned a lot on the job, and didn’t realize I was good with technology until I came here.” She says her I.T. supervisor, Jim Jones, now vice president of facilities and information technology, was instrumental in challenging her to grow into the work. ”That’s one of the great things about Jackson College, they allow you to grow into things and offer training that helps you learn.”

July 2016

Whiting enjoys seeing fellow students succeed

Carswell helps Maher Campus run smoothly

Jackson College 2016 graduate Zenetta Whiting likes to see others succeed. She’s been both a mentor and tutor at Jackson College, and receives the 2016 George E. Potter Outstanding Student Award.

Sanora Carswell likes to keep things running smoothly. Her efforts as a student worker at the W.J. Maher Campus garnered her the 2016 Outstanding Student Employee Award.

The married mother of five returned to college in 2014 after leaving college in the 1990s to raise her family. She completed her degree in general studies at Jackson College, and in the future plans to return to her prior home of Corpus Christi, Texas, and transfer to Texas A & M University to complete a bachelor’s degree in university studies. With a gift for helping others, she hopes to work as a parent educator or training facilitator, perhaps with a social services agency or non-profit organization. At Jackson College, Whiting has served as a tutor in the Center for Student Success, tutoring in more than 10 classes and continuing to create study groups and serving as a mentor. “My work in the Center has been greatly rewarding,” Whiting said. “I love witnessing how students grow and become confident in their pursuit of knowledge.” Whiting has also been involved with the TRiO Student Support Services program, which provides support and guidance to certain students who may benefit. Maintaining a high grade point average and being involved on campus, she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the honor society for two-year colleges, and served as public relations officer and historian. “Zenetta is truly deserving of this award. As a student, she is so driven,” said Monica Bouman, director of the Center for Student Success. “As a tutor, Zenetta emphasizes TCS2 (Total Commitment to Student Success) each and every day.”

We Are Jackson College

Carswell began working at the Maher Campus her first semester at Jackson College in 2014. She covers the front desk, shows guests to appointments, assists with computer and technology issues, makes outreach calls to students, helps the Jackson College Foundation located there, and more. “I enjoy everything about it. It was my first job. My bosses really took me in and showed me the ropes. I wanted to make sure I didn’t disappoint anyone,” Carswell said. “It’s a great atmosphere, and the staff is great to work with.” Her efforts are appreciated by her supervisors. “Sanora is particular about her work and goes to great effort to make sure it is done well and conveyed in a way that is easy to understand,” said Julie Hand, assistant dean, Maher Campus. Carswell is a graduate of Jackson High School who is studying respiratory care at JC. “I’m extremely grateful to even be considered for the award. It is nice to be appreciated; I feel like I was just doing my job,” she said.

Alumni & Foundation

UPDATE

Bradford enjoys sharing her passion with today’s students

We are pleased to present this Jackson College Alumni & Foundation Update. In these pages you will find news of Jackson College alumni and events, updates from the Foundation and much more!

Jan Bradford grew up with Jackson College, and today she loves sharing her passion for teaching with students.

“I like to think that it’s not overwhelming, yet it is different than high school. It was a good transition.”

As a professor of the sciences, Bradford primarily teaches human anatomy and physiology to future nurses and health care professionals. She enjoys the moment when the subjects become real to the student, and they realize the role they will play to help others some day.

Bradford’s first dream was to also become a teacher, like many of her family members. But she faced a detour when a counselor told her the market was saturated and she should try something else. She shifted her focus toward a career in physical therapy, which is heavily based on anatomy and physiology. After a while, she realized physical therapy didn’t feel right for her: “I felt like a square peg in a round hole.” She turned back to education, and, with the knowledge of anatomy and physiology gained, it enabled her to teach in the sciences.

“I have a real interest and passion for anatomy and physiology, especially when it branches into health and wellness. To see other people fall in love with those topics, too, it’s very exciting.” “I feel like it’s a mission, in some ways, if people can embrace just how important the body is and how important personal health is, it can empower them to go out and help others,” Bradford said. Her mission began years ago when she would tag along with her father, Jim Snyder, who taught at what was Jackson Community College. When it came time to go to college, Jackson was a natural fit. “It really was incredibly comfortable and familiar to me,” Bradford said.

Bradford completed her bachelor’s degree and secondary teaching certificate at Grand Valley State University, and earned her master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. She started at Jackson College in 1989 and taught part-time for 11 years before gaining a full-time post. As a mother of four, she has seen the struggles her own children face when they finish high school and have to decide on a future. She believes the same benefits Jackson College offered her as a student still exist today, a good transition that is close to home. “I celebrate that Jackson College is a place where it’s safe to make those decisions. It’s a good place to figure out how to navigate through that next stage of life,” Bradford said.

Scholarships create living legacy for future Jackson College Foundation President Jason Valente and his wife, Elizabeth, have created two new student scholarships as living tributes following two tragedies. The Heather Baslock Quasarano Scholarship

The Audrey Wiggins Memorial Scholarship

Heather Quasarano and all of her six family members died tragically in February due to carbon monoxide poisoning in their Fenton Township home. Heather was a former classmate and longtime friend of Valente, and he wanted to do something to honor his friend’s memory. Heather was a sonographer who had become fascinated with medicine at a young age. Working with Heather’s sisters, Valente has funded a new scholarship in Heather’s name to benefit students pursuing a career in sonography.

Audrey Wiggins was a beautiful baby girl who faced some significant health challenges. Valente’s daughter, Abigail, had faced some similar health issues, so a mutual friend at Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan put Josh and Christina Wiggins in touch with the Valentes. The families got to know each other over the course of Audrey’s short 10-month life as she went through 83 surgeries, related to numerous birth defects, including open heart surgery. Sadly, Audrey passed away in February 2015 due to respiratory complications brought on by her birth defects. The Wiggins family has established a non-profit group, Audrey’s Army, to help families with medically fragile children find some normalcy. Valente serves as vice chair of the board of directors. The Audrey Wiggins Memorial Scholarship will go to a student pursuing a health-related career, with priority given to nursing students pursuing a career in pediatric care, with secondary consideration for nursing students in general and then respiratory care students. • • •

“She was passionate about her family, her faith, education, and especially about sonography. I wanted to do something that would live on and help people, in an area that was a passion for her,” Valente said.

The Quasarano family died tragically of carbon monoxide poisoning in February.

“I’m blessed to witness daily the results of scholarships and the impact they have on people’s lives,” Valente said. “Like so many of our donors, I wanted to create a living memorial that would make a difference in people’s lives. I thought, how can I best honor both in a way that helps their memories and names live on in a way that makes a difference in people’s lives everyday … education is a gift that transforms lives, families and communities. Helping others provides a measure of peace and comfort in the face of tragedy. ”

- Jason Valente

To learn more about these and all foundation scholarships, visit www.jccmi.edu.

Scholarships help nursing student to make dream come true Allison Ulstad has enjoyed helping people since she was a child. Now, with the help of scholarship funds, she is learning what she needs to go forth and help others as a registered nurse. Ulstad, a Western High School graduate, is the 2016-17 J. Sterling Wickwire Memorial Fellow, a new scholarship from the Jackson College Foundation. Now in her fourth year at Jackson College, she has received several scholarships that have helped with the cost of college, including the Presidential Scholarship and Vera Bassett Nursing Scholarship. “The scholarship assistance has really helped me,” Ulstad said. “I am so blessed to have gotten this Wickwire Fellowship. It will help so much.” Between the academic rigor of the nursing program and working part-time as a resident aide at Vista Grande Villa and Trellis Gardens, Ulstad is busy. She has two semesters left until she finishes her associate degree in nursing, and is considering either the University of Michigan or Eastern Michigan University to continue her studies to become a nurse practitioner. “My experience at Jackson College has been wonderful, especially in the transition from my first two years of study into the nursing program,” she said. “I had some great professors and still remember the details of what I learned. That helps as the classes progress.”

The J. Sterling Wickwire Scholarship The J. Sterling Wickwire Scholarship was created in 2011 by the Jackson College Foundation to provide an opportunity to recognize the brightest and best students. Named for J. Sterling Wickwire, the generous donor and local industrialist who donated his home and property to the College, the award carries on his legacy of leadership, community connections and support of higher education. Beginning in 2016, the scholarship will transition to an award fund that will provide an even higher level of support to its recipients. Beginning in 2017, scholarships will include the following*: • J. Wickwire Fellow – one award equaling 18 billing contact hours • J. Wickwire Scholar – one award equaling 12 billing contact hours • J. Wickwire Scholar – one award equally 6 billing contact hours * Based on in-county tuition rate The Jackson College Foundation and the College offer a variety of scholarships for students. To learn more, visit the website at www.jccmi.edu.

College experience provides valuable network to alumna Graduate Taylor Reed has designs on a bright future, thanks to her start at Jackson College. Reed enrolled at Jackson College in 2012 and, after four years of art in high school and experience working on her school’s yearbook committee, decided to pursue a career in graphic design. She completed her associate degree in graphic design and a certificate in photography. She is glad she did. “I loved it; I had such a great experience,” Reed said. “My teachers were very helpful, and I still keep up with them. To this day I’m able to contact my professors and talk about a problem I’m experiencing. A group of us all went through the program together, and it’s awesome to have a great group of people with you. ” Today Reed uses her graphic design skills and more in her position as marketing manager at Orbitform of Jackson. She handles the whole range of marketing and promotions – graphic design of publications, advertisements, writing articles, preparing for trade shows, ordering promotional materials like pens, large-format work for displays, banners, signs and more, as well as managing the budget. “It’s always something new, and there’s always a lot to do,” she said. “I’m very happy doing what I do.” In her free time, Reed enjoys doing freelance design and photography for clients, as well as gardening and caring for her two dogs. She also serves on the advisory board for the graphic design program, helping shape the program for the future, just as she experienced. “I had a very good experience at Jackson College. It is a really great place to start,” she said.

Recognizing our

alumni

One of the ways Jackson College recognizes alumni contributions is through placement on the Alumni Wall of Honor located on the first floor of Potter Center on the Jackson Central Campus. Honorees are chosen annually. The most recently installed honorees are:

Farris Coppage Class of 1964 Farris Coppage is a retired educator, community leader, husband, father and grandfather. He served as assistant principal at Jackson Public Schools for 27 years and previously taught four years for Albion Public Schools. He has served numerous community organizations, is active in his church, Lane Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, and was recognized with the 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service.

Jonathan Curtis Class of 2011 Jonathan Curtis is a chiropractor at Manchester Family Chiropractic Center of Jackson, as an associate with Dr. Scott Manchester, another Jackson College alumnus. He loves what he does because he loves helping people and seeing them get back to what they love doing. In the community, he serves as a Chamber Ambassador with the Jackson Chamber of Commerce and coaches a local youth basketball team throughout spring and summer.

Laura Stanton Class of 1974 Laura Stanton has been an educator, foundation leader, Catholic lay minister, author and wife. With her husband, David, she created the Stanton Foundation, dedicated to two personal causes – education and adoption. She has given tirelessly of herself to these causes over the years and established a scholarship at Jackson College to benefit non-adopted foster children continuing their education. She is the 2016 recipient of the Jackson College Dr. Ethelene Jones Crockett Distinguished Alumni Award.

Earl Poleski Class of 1976 Earl Poleski is committed to public service, representing the 64th District in the Michigan House of Representatives. He has worked as a public accountant since 1981 and enjoys the logic and discipline it entails. Those attributes serve him well in the legislative world, also. A husband and father, he remains active locally, serving the Jackson Symphony Orchestra board and singing at his church, First United Methodist Church.

mark your calendar for

COMING EVENTS Starry, Starry Night Across America Feast for Knowledge 2016

Friday, Aug. 26

Join us for the Feast for Knowledge 2016 when we celebrate “Starry, Starry Night Across America.” Starry, Starry Night is a fundraising event to support Jackson College students. Guests will enjoy a fine dinner featuring culinary delights from many American cities. They may also bid on auction items, including several exceptional dinner experiences offered throughout the year. For complete auction item details and menu, please go to www.jccmi.edu/feast16. Tickets are $100 per person; 50 percent of the ticket cost is a tax-deductible gift. To make reservations please call 517.787.0244 or e-mail Cindy Gilmore at CGilmore@jccmi.edu by Aug. 16, 2016.

Jackson College Jets Golf Outing Saturday, Sept. 10 Lakeland Hills Golf Course 8 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. shotgun start $80 per golfer JacksonCollegeJets.com For additional details, call Rick Smith at 517.796.8592, or SmithRichardT@jccmi.edu.

Jets Athlete Alumni Day Saturday, Sept. 24 More details to follow.

JETS ATHLETIC NEWS Jets baseball wins championship Jackson College Jets baseball enjoyed a winning season in 2016! Congratulations to the baseball team players and coach Rick Smith, who clinched the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Championship, finishing the season with a conference record of 24-2 and 37-14 overall. With a championship season, Rick Smith was named Coach of the Year by the MCCAA. This was Smith’s 11th season with the Jets, and he has been coaching in the MCCAA for more than 25 years. The Jets were eliminated in the second round of the Region XII tourney this year.

“This is an exciting time for our team and our program.” – Rick Smith, Coach

Among the players, Jets sophomore Jeffrey Riedel received NJCAA First Team Baseball All-American Honors. “This is an exciting time for this team and our program,” said Jackson College Coach Rick Smith. “We have been working hard to get us back to this level.”

Student-athletes score in the classroom! Jackson College Jets student-athletes made the grade this year! Student-athletes performed well on and off the field in 2015-16, with Jackson College collecting the most team and individual academic awards at both the national and state levels since sports returned in 2006. “Celebrating student-athlete success in the classroom never gets old,” said Katie Fall, athletics and fieldhouse coordinator. “These students gain so much experience in learning time management. Juggling their school work with practices, games and jobs is no small feat.” Women’s basketball player Darci Marriott and cross country runner Tristan Swartout both receive the Pinnacle Award for maintaining a perfect 4.0-grade point average. “I think that academics are highly emphasized in Jackson College’s athletic program,” said Marriott, who will be a junior in the fall majoring in psychology. “The staff is always checking on you and making sure that you are doing well in your classes and keeping up with all of your studies.”

President Dan Phelan, Chief of Staff Sara Johnson, Darci Marriott and Tristan Swartout.

Swartout adds, “Academics is by far a priority; my coach always said ‘Grades come first’ and if someone’s grades weren’t the best, then the athletic department tried their best to help the student learn that subject.” Swartout completed his Associate of Science this spring and will transfer to Michigan State in the fall.

Coaches work with their players to encourage academics throughout the year. “We are so proud of the way these students have represented our department this year, and look to continue this success in years to come,” Fall said. For a complete list of awardees, visit www.jccmi.edu/news.

Professor David Fitzgerald outfitted two mobile computer labs for use in the program.

College brings computer education into prison A first for prisoner education, Jackson College now offers a new computer service technician program in two correctional facilities. With a Second Chance Grant for nearly $749,167, Jackson College will provide education to 120 prisoner participants over two years in a 15-credit skill set program, a first step toward a career in the information technology field. With the skill set, students will also receive A+ and Network+ certifications from the Computing Technology Industry Association, or CompTIA. Coursework includes PC repair of hardware and software, networking fundamentals and much more.

“This is a huge step forward for the MDOC. They are providing technology and tools for these students that are far outside what they would typically be allowed,”

- Kevin Rose, instructor and director of prison programs

“These students, when they complete the program, will walk out with a Jackson College credential and two CompTIA computer certifications, marketable in today’s global job market,” said David Fitzgerald, professor of computer information services. Students may find jobs at help desks, computer repair facilities, entry-level information technology departments and more.

We Are Jackson College

Classes for the computer service technician began in the prisons in October. Participants must be eligible for parole within 12 to 24 months. Those completing the program will have the opportunity to work with employment counselors and re-entry staff from the Michigan Works! to help find employment upon release. “Many of the students have had little to no experience with computers,” said Kevin Rose, instructor and director of prison programs. “They had an incredible task at hand but have responded well through hard work and dedication. At this point they all are likely to pass, despite the many challenges they faced.” To prepare for the program, Fitzgerald outfitted two mobile computer labs to go into the two correctional facilities offering the program, the Cotton Facility in Jackson and the Gus Harrison Facility in Adrian. Prisoners are not allowed access to the Internet, so Jackson College had to work with Michigan Department of Corrections personnel to create a networked computer environment that would simulate real world problems and applications for these incarcerated students. Fitzgerald has worked to re-create the system he has in his on-campus classroom for these mobile labs, including many of the tools and projects for each student to experience. “This is a huge step forward for the MDOC. They are providing technology and tools for these students that are far outside what they would typically be allowed,” Rose said. “It has proven their dedication to provide better opportunities for our incarcerated population and will likely lead to better opportunities for them.”

Agriculture program begins this fall Today’s farming industry offers growing opportunities for the future, with ties to roots in the past. A new agricultural technology program will launch at Jackson College this fall, offering an Associate of Applied Science degree. It is designed for those wanting to complete a twoyear degree and then go to work in farming or agriculture-related business. Students hoping to transfer for a bachelor’s degree may complete an Associate of Science degree.

PHOTO COURTESY MLive/Jackson Citizen Patriot

College selected to participate in new Second Chance Pell pilot program In efforts to reduce recidivism, Jackson College joins 67 colleges and universities across the U.S. selected by the Department of Education to participate in the new Second Chance Pell pilot program. This Second Chance program launched in July 2015 as an experiment to test if access to financial aid boosts participation. The pilot program will allow eligible incarcerated Americans to receive Pell Grants and pursue postsecondary education with the goal of helping them get jobs and support their families when they are released. The College began offering courses again in the prison in 2012 after a prior program ended in the mid-1990s due to legislative action. Currently about 400 students are enrolled from eight facilities across the state in its Prison Education Initiative. With this new Second Chance program, the College expects to reach 1,305 Pell-eligible students in 2016-17 – the largest number of any of the 67 institutions participating. “We are proud that the Department of Education selected Jackson College to be part of the Second Chance Pell Grant program,” said Jackson College Dean of Arts & Sciences Dr. Todd Butler, who oversees the Prison Education Initiative. “Our partnerships with the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Vera Institute of Justice have allowed us to create one of the top postsecondary educational programs in the country. “More importantly, being part of this program allows the Prison Education Initiative to greatly expand the number of incarcerated students who will have access to higher education and the opportunities for change that access brings with it. Individuals, families, and whole communities across the state will benefit from this second chance.”

Successful farming in the 21st century requires not only knowledge of the latest techniques for raising crops and animals, but also how to operate a successful business. Farmers may operate farms that produce crops, livestock and dairy products. Today, many careers are available in agriculture-related businesses, such as equipment sales, purchasing agents, livestock feed sales, conservation and more. The new program is driven by a grassroots effort from the farming and agriculture business community. “We’ve talked to several in the community and in the tri-county area, and there is a demand for agriculture education,” said Todd Butler, dean of arts and sciences. “The Jackson College agricultural program is very relevant to the educational needs of today’s rural families,” said Kim Kerr, a south regional representative for the Michigan Farm Bureau. “The program is locally driven by the agricultural leaders who want to create a natural pathway from local schools to Jackson College that does not saddle students with a mini-mortgage. Since Michigan agricultural is a $100 billion-plus industry, the Jackson College agricultural program is at the right place and the right time to help provide local students the opportunity to succeed.” To learn more, visit www.jccmi.edu/profiles/ agriculture-program-spotlight/

Sold! Graduate gets his start in auctioneering Jackson College graduate Ridge Bollheimer is sold on auctioneering! Bollheimer loves taking gavel in hand and leading an auction. This self-taught young man has been an auctioneer for about four years now. Growing up on a small hobby farm, he’s shown animals in 4-H for the past 14 years and got his first taste with the 4-H animal auctions. “I’ve always loved it,” Bollheimer said of auctioneering; going to auctions was something he and his father enjoyed doing together. He caught on to the auctioneering chant easily with the help of his mentors and taught himself the art of handling a group of bidders. At a recent Michigan Auctioneers Association State Championship, he finished in the top 12. He is also now the auctioneer for the Jackson County Fair Small Animal Auction.

CMT Showcase features today’s in-demand careers Careers and country music … a partnership initiative between Jackson College and CMT will bring those two together for one night this October! Jackson College will host a Career Showcase highlighting today’s in-demand fields, topped off by a free country music concert featuring performer Courtney Cole on Thursday, Oct. 13. The showcase begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a concert at 6:30 p.m. in the Potter Center. Jackson College and CMT want to encourage area residents to further their education as part of the cable network’s CMT Empowering Education initiative. The initiative highlights the important role community colleges play in providing affordable, relevant education and training aligned with workforce needs. Roughly 5.8 million jobs are open right now in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of which remain unfilled due to a lack of skilled applicants.

“I like auctioneering because it is always different, there’s always a different location and something different to be sold,” Bollheimer said. “I like it because I can interact with a crowd and try to get the highest bid to raise the value of an item. It can benefit the organization or individual in raising the most amount of money for them. I also like auctioneering because I know it makes my dad proud.” Bollheimer enrolled at Jackson College in 2014 after graduating from Napoleon High School. He graduated with his associate degree in business administration in May, and at age 20 already has several ventures – developing his auctioneering, working at Napoleon Feed Mill, and selling farmraised freezer beef. He’s busy networking and meeting as many people as possible and hopes to someday have his own auctioneering business. He plans to go to auctioneering school this summer and hopes to compete at the Midwestern Auctioneers Summer Roundup in Shipshewana. “With my experience and my education at Jackson College, I’m looking forward to the opportunities that are waiting for me,” Bollheimer said.

All area high school students, recent graduates and all interested future students are invited to the Career Showcase from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Local business and industry partners will discuss careers and the education and training needed. Jackson College personnel will be available to discuss the admissions and financial aid processes. The career showcase event will be held in the second-floor lobby of Potter Center. At 6:30 p.m., guests may move inside the Harold Sheffer Music Hall to hear success stories of local students. A representative from CMT will offer an introduction to the CMT Empowering Education initiative, and a Q&A with local students will be offered. Afterward, sit back and enjoy the sounds of country star Courtney Cole, featured on “CMT: The Next Superstar.” The concert is free to all who attend the Careers Showcase! For tickets to the event, contact the Potter Center Box Office at 517.796.8600, or Jackson College @ LISD TECH (517.265.5515) in Adrian and the LeTarte Center, Hillsdale (517.437.3343).

Thursday, Oct. 13 Career Showcase begins at 5:30 p.m. Potter Center. FREE concert at 6:30 p.m. in Sheffer Music Hall.

Instructor pens three books Courtney Cole Courtney Cole grew up in Mandeville, La., 24 miles north of New Orleans. She made her start early performing in a church talent show at age 5. By age 10, she began doing musical theater and attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. But country music remained in her veins. “My parents met two-stepping in a country bar,” she said. “So, I feel like my love of country music started early on. Music was always in our lives. Being able to sing how you feel and put music to it, that’s what I live for!” After graduating from Nashville’s Belmont University as a voice major, she has worked as a singer and songwriter and has enjoyed many touring opportunities, opening for Kip Moore, Granger Smith, Thompson Square, Josh Thompson, Kane Brown, Old Dominion and Chris Young. She appeared in “CMT: The Next Superstar” in 2011, and received a full-time publishing deal afterward! She was singled out as a Spotify Spotlight Artist and tagged by Huffington Post as one of its Country Artists to Watch in 2015! For 2016, her accolades continue. Courtney’s acoustic EP #NoFilter is exclusively available at Spotify. Her single, “Drunk,” which she wrote with Catt Gravitt, Gerald O’Brien and Shirazi is available at iTunes. With her clever lyrics, catchy tune, high production quality and playful charisma seamlessly threaded together, the music video along with the single hit No. 1 on Taste of Country’s Top 10 Countdown and debuted at No. 8 on CMT Pure 12-Pack Countdown.

Teacher, businesswoman, author – Peggy Eaton brings a wealth of experience to her classes at Jackson College. Eaton is an adjunct instructor teaching accounting and freshman year seminar at Jackson College. After a career working in business and education, she has now co-authored three books. “Writing a novel was one of the things on my bucket list,” she said. “Then, I got in a bad car accident, and I couldn’t do anything for almost a year. So, I sat in my recliner and typed my first book.” Eaton didn’t try publishing it at first, but then a friend, Maggie DeCocker, urged her to get it published. DeCocker helped her with editing her manuscript, and now the pair continues to write together. Their first two novels are part of an Eaton Creek Adventure Series, “Eaton Creek,” and “My Heart Stayed Home.” They recently published a third novel, a stand-alone work called “When Tomorrow Fell Apart.” The first two books were set in the 1800s, the third is set in modern day times. “I have grown up learning how to do many of the things people did in the 1800s. I can make almost anything myself, and I learned that at an early age,” Eaton said. What she didn’t know for the books, she researched to be sure her facts were correct. An alumna of Jackson Community College, Eaton relates to her students from their perspective. She taught business and technology at both Western and later Columbia high schools. She enjoys working with students, especially when they “get it” and have that a-ha moment, particularly with what can be a difficult subject like accounting. “I love helping students find their way, helping them find how to be successful,” Eaton said. “Especially in my FYS classes, I will often bring my books in so they see that this is possible. I think if anything else it teaches persistence, that you can do what you have a mind to do if you are persistent.” Eaton and her husband, John, have two adult children and four grandchildren. Her books can be found on www.amazon.com.

CAMPUS UPDATES W.J. Maher Campus

Jackson College @ LISD TECH

Hillsdale LeTarte Center

Get ready for the fall semester at W.J. Maher Campus!

With Jackson College @ LISD TECH and Siena Heights University, students can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in just three years instead of four!

All students – current or future – are invited to a Patio Party Friday, Aug. 5 from 3-6 p.m. at the LeTarte Center. “Your Future Never Looked So Bright” is designed for current students, new fall students or those considering attending college. The event is open to all, and families are welcome!

Maher Campus will conduct all-in-one course placement, new student orientation and advising sessions throughout the summer in preparation for the fall semester, which begins Sept. 6. Meeting with a student success navigator is an important step for all students. From new student orientation to selecting an academic program, planning for transfer, getting ready for graduation, and each step along the way, the student success navigator can help guide students so they complete their goals. Navigator Melissa Potter is eager to meet with new and returning students to help them through their college experience. Maher Campus also offers conference and event space available for rental, with seating for up to 300. A variety of room sizes and styles for groups and events of all types is available, nearly 5,000 square feet of space. The campus offers free parking and easy access to I-94. To make an appointment with a student success navigator or to inquire about facility rental, call 517.768.7097. W. J. Maher Campus 3000 Blake Road Jackson, MI 49201 517.768.7097

The Accelerated Business Program offers the same courses as a traditional bachelor’s degree program but in a shorter time frame. It combines classroom and online learning, and students are admitted in a “cohort” group who progress through the program together. The in-class component meets Tuesday evenings and approximately four Saturdays a session, while the online portion provides students optimum flexibility. Additionally, faculty will work with students to create common learning experiences across courses. Students will complete a Management Certificate and an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration from Jackson College, and continue to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from SHU. “Being in the cohort, the class sizes were small so there was plenty of one-on-one working with the professors, which made it much easier to succeed as an adult student,” said Kevin Sterling, retail center manager and assistant vice president of Old National Bank. A new cohort of students will begin this fall, and is limited to 25 students. Want to learn more? An information session will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 in Jackson College @ LISD TECH, in Room 105. All are welcome. Jackson College @ LISD TECH 1376 N. Main St. Adrian, MI 49221 517.265.5515

We Are Jackson College

Event will include: • Opportunity to meet faculty and staff; • Tours of the facility; • Not registered? Learn how to become a student; • Presentations for students, parents and children of students; • Information about class books; • Snacks and food, and, • Door prizes – tuition, laptop, Jackson College apparel, bookstore gift cards and local gift cards. Go to www.jccmi.edu/patioparty to RSVP. All RSVP’s will be entered into a drawing for a separate prize! Clyde LeTarte Center 3120 W. Carleton Road Hillsdale, MI 49242 517.437.3343

Concatenation Convention summer events lead up to October conference Concatenation Convention continues its community countdown to the Oct. 15, 2016, event where robots, makers, virtual reality, scientists and science fictionists will be the focus and multi-genre author Walter Mosley will lead off the event.

In planning for September is a screening of “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan” and a 21 Phaser salute for Leonard Nimoy. If you have a dress uniform, phaser, and want to participate, contact Con Con on Facebook. Watch Con Con’s Facebook for details! On Sept. 18, visit the Con Con table at Meggacon (Michigan’s Entertainment, Geek, Gaming, and Arts Convention) at the Commonwealth Center in Jackson. Last year was a blast and Con Con plans to add some fun through giveaways and promos.

Coming in August, look for a Jackson District Library sponsored book discussion of “The Wave” by Walter Mosley, and in September, JDL will host a reading group discussion of Mosely’s “47.” The Library has several copies of each book and also stocks copies on HOOPLA. Check the Concatenation Convention’s Facebook or the myjdl.com for final dates, places and times.

Join Con Con on Oct. 15 for its inaugural event where science and science fiction meet for breakouts, virtual reality, science demonstrations, artist conceptions, art and collectible booths, and speaker Walter Mosley. There will be a gaming area and a cool after event concert! All events take place at the Jackson College Central Campus, and a map of the event space is coming soon. All these events are absolutely free and are happening thanks to Jackson College, the Jackson District Library, Nostalgia Ink, Jackson Maker’s Space, and Throat Punch Games. For more information find Concatenation Convention on Facebook or visit facebook. com/concatenationconvention/.

Stay connected with Jackson College I hope you have enjoyed reading the newly redesigned “We Are Jackson College.” This publication has been created to inform our communities about activities at the College. In these pages, you will find news about current projects and developments at Jackson College, success stories of students and alumni, profiles of faculty, updates on academic programs, upcoming events and more. Community members are welcome to learn more about Jackson College at monthly Board of Trustees meetings. These public meetings are held the second Monday of each month, at 6:30 p.m. in the Room 214 in the Potter Center. You may also keep up to date on our Jackson College website, www.jccmi.edu, or by following us on social media, such as

Get the right start for a career that you will love. Start now. Start here! Fall classes at Jackson College begin Sept. 6.

Facebook and Twitter. Beginning in August, I will be hosting a “community coffee with the president” session the second Monday of the month at Biggby Coffee, 2003 Horton Road, Jackson. The first will be 9-10 a.m. Aug. 8.

Registration for fall classes is underway now. For more information go to www.jccmi.edu or call any Jackson College location: Central Campus ....................517.796.8425

Come out, ask questions and learn more about what’s happening! Sincerely,

Jackson College @ LISD TECH ...................... 517.265.5515 LeTarte Center Hillsdale ....517.437.3343 W. J. Maher Campus ............517.768.7097

Dr. Daniel J. Phelan

Questions about Jackson College programs and services described in this publication should be directed to Student Services at 517.796.8425. Comments or questions about the publication can be directed to the Marketing Department at 517.796.8416.

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Publisher: Cynthia S. Allen • Editor: Dotty Karkheck Writer: Marilynn Fryer • Graphic Design: Abbie Stein Photography: Jackson College Marketing

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POTTER CENTER COMING EVENTS OCTOBER 1 5 and 8 p.m.

OCTOBER 21 7:30 p.m.

OCTOBER 29 7 p.m.

NOVEMBER 4 7 p.m.

NOVEMBER 19 7 p.m.

DECEMBER 9 7 p.m.

JANUARY 21 8 p.m.

JANUARY 28 7 p.m.

FEBRUARY 24 7 p.m.

FEBRUARY 25 7 p.m.

MARCH 18 7 p.m.

APRIL 22 7 p.m.

Tickets on sale now at www.jccmi.edu/pottercenter

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Board of Trustees Samuel R. Barnes, Chairman • John M. Crist, Vice Chairman Sheila A. Patterson, Secretary • Donna L. Lake, Treasurer Matthew R. Heins, Trustee • Philip E. Hoffman, Trustee Dr. Edward A. Mathein, Trustee • Dr. Daniel J. Phelan, President

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2111 Emmons Road Jackson, MI 49201-8399

Publisher: Cynthia S. Allen • Editor: Dotty Karkheck Writer: Marilynn Fryer • Graphic Design: Abbie Stein Photography: Jackson College Marketing Board of Trustees Samuel R. Barnes, Chairman • John M. Crist, Vice Chairman Sheila A. Patterson, Secretary • Donna L. Lake, Treasurer Matthew R. Heins, Trustee • Philip E. Hoffman, Trustee Dr. Edward A. Mathein, Trustee • Dr. Daniel J. Phelan, President

POTTER CENTER COMING EVENTS OCTOBER 1 5 and 8 p.m.

OCTOBER 21 7:30 p.m.

OCTOBER 29 7 p.m.

NOVEMBER 4 7 p.m.

NOVEMBER 19 7 p.m.

DECEMBER 9 7 p.m.

JANUARY 21 8 p.m.

JANUARY 28 7 p.m.

FEBRUARY 24 7 p.m.

FEBRUARY 25 7 p.m.

MARCH 18 7 p.m.

APRIL 22 7 p.m.

Tickets on sale now at www.jccmi.edu/pottercenter