Malesus STEM Innovation Center: Committing to the Future of Jackson's Students

Written by Austin Thompson
Photographed by Maddie McMurry

In the southern corner of Jackson, Tennessee, something truly special is happening at the old Malesus School.  The Malesus STEM Innovation Center isn't just another school; it's a beacon of hope, an investment in our children's future, and a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. As someone who has long felt the pull of innovation and creativity, I know firsthand the importance of spaces like this — places where kids can explore, fail, grow, and ultimately thrive. If a  place like Malesus existed when I was in school, it would have been exactly the kind of environment where I would’ve thrived.

This summer, I had the privilege of working with the Jackson-Madison County School System (JMCSS), assisting the Innovation Department with assembling equipment and handling logistics for Malesus. I was uniquely qualified for this role as an entrepreneur and the manager of the longest running Makerspace in Jackson at theCO. It was one of those experiences that reminded me of how lucky we are to have such forward-thinking leaders in our community. One of those leaders is Dr. Marlon King.

Dr. King, the superintendent of JMCSS, has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. As  a man with nearly 30 years of experience in education, his commitment to improving public schools is clear. From his roots in rural West Tennessee to his leadership across various districts, Dr. King understands that our children deserve opportunities that will prepare them for the future. Under his leadership, Malesus was born as more than just a building — it’s a movement, a place where students can engage in real-world STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) coursework like robotics, cybersecurity, and mechatronics. In previous conversations, Dr. King has emphasized that Jackson needs to be at the forefront of preparing students for a workforce that's constantly evolving. And that’s exactly what Malesus is doing.

Of course, no project of this magnitude is complete without visionaries on the ground to make it all happen. That’s where my friend, Dr. Molly Plyler, steps in — though let’s be real, I’m never going to get through this article calling her Dr. Plyler. Molly and I have worked together in the past, and not only do I respect her deeply, but I can also say without hesitation that she's much smarter than I am. So while I’ll give her the accolades she deserves, you’ll have to forgive me for being on a first-name basis with such a brilliant mind.

Molly, the STEM & Computer Science Senior Advisor for JMCSS, lights up when she talks about Malesus and the opportunities it presents. "I’m ecstatic," she said when I asked her about the school’s impact. She shared how students at Malesus now have access to courses that will prepare them for the future — robotics, engineering, eSports, and more. She’s not just talking about teaching the kids how to build cool things; she’s talking about life-changing opportunities. With STEM occupations expected to grow by 10.4% over the next decade, these kids are being equipped for a future that’s brighter than many of us could have imagined for ourselves. And let's face it — Jackson itself stands to benefit from this in ways we haven't fully seen yet. 

"The more we cultivate STEM talent," Molly said, "the more likely Jackson will attract companies focused on technology, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical research, and healthcare."

And it’s not just about what happens inside the classroom. Molly made it clear that the key to STEM education is project-based learning. That’s why community partnerships are essential to the success of Malesus. She shared an exciting example about Toyota’s involvement with the school. Not only did Toyota invest financially in the program, but they also provided hands-on training for teachers, consulted with students on projects, and helped shape the physical setup of the classroom to mirror the modern workplace. That’s not just education — that’s transformation.

When I asked Molly what it meant to be part of such a transformative initiative, her answer struck a chord with me. "Where the Jackson-Madison County Schools are right now is magical," she said. And I couldn’t agree more. Malesus represents the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration, and community effort. It’s not just a school; it’s a message to the children of Jackson that we see them, we believe in them, and we’re committed to their future.

Another key player in this journey is Dr. Teresa Littrell McSweeney, who serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at the Jackson-Madison County School System. Dr. McSweeney’s background in school leadership gives her a unique perspective on what it takes to inspire students. During our conversations, she described the potential that Malesus holds, not just for its students, but for the entire community.

"We’re creating an ecosystem where learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom,” McSweeney said. That’s a bold statement, but it’s exactly the kind of bold thinking that has driven Malesus to become the beacon it is today.

Dr. McSweeney also spoke about how the hands-on, experiential learning approach at Malesus is what sets it apart from other schools. 

"It’s one thing to read about science or math," she said, "but it’s a completely different experience when you’re applying those concepts to solve real-world problems." 

That approach, she explained, is what will give Jackson students a competitive edge. It’s what will ensure that these kids not only learn but excel in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world we live in.

I can’t help but reflect on how different my life might have been had I attended a school like Malesus. I graduated from Dyersburg High School in 1995, and while I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything, I know a place like this would have changed the game for me. But more than that, I’m grateful to be a part of the Jackson community now, watching as the next generation gets the opportunities I could only dream of. Malesus is more than just a school — it’s a promise to our kids and our community that we are ready for whatever innovation the future brings.

It’s impossible not to feel the weight of history blending with the excitement of the future. This school, once filled with memories and then closed, is now alive again with the hum of innovation, possibility, and dreams. This school is more than just a building — it’s a beacon for the future of Jackson. That future, built on the backs of leaders like Dr. McSweeney and Molly, is a testament to what can happen when educators and community members unite with purpose.

Throughout the process of reopening Malesus, it felt apparent that everyone knew they had a responsibility — not just to reopen a school, but to redefine what education can look like. They were not just preparing them for today, but equipping them for a future we can’t yet see.

And that’s the beauty of it all. Malesus stands as a symbol of resilience, not just because it was brought back to life, but because of the unwavering belief in the potential of our students. From a school once closed to a vision executed by true innovators, Malesus is a promise that Jackson is ready for whatever tomorrow holds.

In the end, the story of Malesus is not just one of rebirth — it’s one of triumph. We’ve come full circle, and the sense of pride and joy I feel walking these halls is shared by every teacher, every student, and every person who believes in the power of this place. The future is bright, and Malesus is leading the way.