Jazmin B. Simpson | The Mentor

Presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group

BY MEGAN KREISER | ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS

Honored. Shocked. Appreciative. Three words that Jazmin B. Simpson, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) – York, used repeatedly as we discussed her role in the York community as an educator, and the impact the community has had on her life.

Born and raised in York City, Jazmin attended York City School District schools where she got her start with leadership opportunities. It was playing volleyball and basketball, as well as participating in the Leadership York youth group, peer mentor program, concert band, and SGA that helped influence her journey.

As a high school freshman, she was offered a full-ride college scholarship as part of the York College Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP). The program was instrumental in her life and served as her motivator to continue doing her best academically. Jazmin was honored and appreciative of the opportunity to be recognized as a young high schooler to continue to grow. But York College wasn’t her plan at first.

“I really thought I was going to Penn State University to follow in my sister’s footsteps, but after orientation, I knew a smaller, community- based atmosphere was where I needed to be.” So, Jazmin returned to her hometown and utilized YCCOSP to get her degree in elementary education.

Through her time at YCP, Jazmin participated in a work-study program, served as a student ambassador, was part of the Black Student Union, and stayed involved in sports, playing intramural basketball and collegiate volleyball. Jazmin spoke about her time at YCP: “The people you meet in school are really influencing your life, serving as the stepping stones to the person you become. Mentors and leaders in college, and in life, continually reminded me that we set ourselves up for success, and everyone instills some piece of knowledge that can overall direct and influence your life.” That success for Simpson shows, as she graduated with honors and quickly secured a role within the college.

THE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN SCHOOL ARE REALLY INFLUENCING YOUR LIFE, SERVING AS THE STEPPING STONES TO THE PERSON YOU BECOME. MENTORS AND LEADERS IN COLLEGE, AND IN LIFE, CONTINUALLY REMINDED ME THAT WE SET OURSELVES UP FOR SUCCESS, AND EVERYONE INSTILLS SOME PIECE OF KNOWLEDGE THAT CAN OVERALL DIRECT AND INFLUENCE YOUR LIFE.

One of her YCCOSP advisors suggested Jazmin for an open role in the Admissions Office, serving as an Admission Counselor to incoming high schoolers. Again, Simpson was honored, shocked, and appreciative that this mentor saw her leadership skills to recommend. While working at YCP, she was promoted to become a YCCOSP Coordinator and Assistant Director of the Multicultural Affairs office to help guide and motivate students who were once in her position.

While working full-time, Simpson earned her master’s degree in educational leadership which propelled her to future roles. Shortly after graduating with her master’s, Jazmin began working full-time for HACC – Virtual Learning Campus as a Student Life Coordinator. Over the last 15 years at HACC, Jazmin has continued to grow in the world of higher education serving in multiple positions including Interim Dean of Virtual Learning.

Again, Simpson says she’s honored, shocked, and appreciative that others can see her leadership and want her to grow in these positions. Further, she feels humbled to share her knowledge and experience with students and faculty as Associate Dean in the Academic Affairs office. As an advisor, she guides students to create and better their pathway through life – whether they are fresh out of high school, returning to change their career path, or someone just wanting to better their life with a degree. She also focuses on supporting faculty with building class schedules, managing their service to the college, and helping them grow as educational leaders.

Jazmin is directly tied to and impacted by the York community in many ways. First, she has served as a Board Member for York City Dollar for Scholars and feels it’s instrumental to give back to the community that supported her. She also enjoys maintaining a connection with youth and learning how to better support them academically and financially. Jazmin also mentions that she loves that York is much like the TV sitcom, “Cheers,” where “everybody knows your name” and that’s a huge reason she wants to continue to support the community. Jazmin still lives in the York area with her husband, four-year-old daughter, and twenty-yearold stepson. Her large extended family is still in the area, too.

When asked what receiving this recognition means to her, Jazmin shares, “This motivates me to continue to make an impact and make our community better. I’m glad to be recognized by a community that I love – I feel loved in return.”