Tanner Jacobs, Caledonia Career Technical Center (CCTC) Alumnus

In the realm of agricultural services, Will Arnett stands as a seasoned industry professional with a wealth of experience.

Over the years, he has mentored numerous former CTE students, like Tanner Jacobs, across diverse workforce areas. Arnett’s impressive career spans roles as a golf course superintendent at multiple courses in the Golden Triangle area, ownership of a landscaping franchise and his current position as the director of the turfgrass management program at East Mississippi Community

College (Lion Hills Golf Club).

Arnett has spent almost three decades teaching and working in the turf grass management industry. In those 30 years, Arnett has noticed that high school gradu- ates with a CTE background who are entering the program have key traits that include work ethic, realistic expectations, collaboration with others, as well as self-awareness of their abilities and weaknesses.

Among the former CTE students earning praise from Arnett is Tanner Jacobs from Caledonia. Notably, Jacobs’ journey began without the availability of agricultural classes at his school. Completing the construction program at CCTC, Jacobs credits the program for furnishing him with skills that align with Arnett’s observations of CTE students. In addition, Jacobs emphasized the technical skills he acquired during his time at Caledonia in shaping his postsecondary journey.

Jacobs’ path led him to the Lion Hills Turfgrass program, where, under Arnett’s guidance, he further honed his skills. After graduating from the two-year program, Jacobs assumed the role of parks and recreation director for his hometown of Caledonia, followed by a stint as an assistant golf course superintendent at Vestavia Country Club. Currently, he serves as the superin- tendent of the North River Yacht Club.

Jacobs’ remarkable journey of graduating from a high school without agriculture classes to continually advancing his career in the turf management industry exemplifies the perseverance of CTE students in pursuing and achieving their postsecondary workforce ambitions.