Sponsor Feature: Making Futures Better
Jackson State Community College
WRITTEN AND Photographed by maddie mcmurry
“We don’t just see ourselves as a degree-granting institution, we see ourselves as a community agent for economic development,” Dr. Carol Rothstein, president of Jackson State, said.
In the heart of West Tennessee, Jackson State Community College has been a cornerstone of education and economic development since its founding in 1967. As one of the original three community colleges in Tennessee and the first in the western part of the state, Jackson State serves over 3,500 students across 10 counties, connecting individuals to transformative opportunities and improving the overall health of the region.
Jackson State sees themselves as a key player in economic development as they partner with organizations throughout West Tennessee and commit to training a local workforce that strengthens the economy and improves quality of life. They want to instill a love for Jackson as a home for their students. The community college model is unique because of the partnerships they have with other four year institutions like University of Memphis, UT Martin, and Lane College, which allow students to receive all the training and degrees they need for their career while remaining at home. This not only retains local talent, but also attracts businesses, combats economic decline, and reduces poverty, especially in our rural surrounding communities.
For Dr. Rothstein, the mission of Jackson State is personal. As a mother of three who needed the flexibility of a community college, she experienced firsthand the life-changing impact it can have. "They helped me figure out my goals and what I wanted," she recalled, making her deeply invested in the success of students who find themselves in similar situations. Whether they are recent high school graduates, working parents, or individuals from underprepared academic backgrounds, Jackson State meets students where they are.
The impact and reach of Jackson State is vast and wide across West Tennessee.
“You can go into any room and ask ‘who here graduated from Jackson State?’ or who is connected or knows someone – it is overwhelming how many people in a room are connected to Jackson State. It’s wild. It is a big sign that we have that community support,” Henry Kilpatrick, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, said. “I want people to be proud of the institution they came from and proud to give back to it, we really want to establish pride in West Tennessee.”
Jackson State is making Jackson’s students better prepared for their futures and encouraging community engagement at whatever age they enter the college scene. Many times, students come out of their programs and are making the highest salary of their entire household. This changes the trajectory of their entire families and the impact they can add to our local economy here in West Tennessee.
Graduates move on from Jackson State to do incredible things, and most of them are staying local. Jackson State has a huge impact on keeping people in the home we all know and love here. They make Jackson better by training more “Jackson makers” and by improving the livability of each family the students are connected to.
Kilpatrick and Dr. Rothstein both hope to see Jackson State continue to grow with their student population, whether that be by renovating buildings, establishing more community partners, or expanding programs of study. They want to grow and expand their relationships, resources, and reputation. Jackson State is shaping students into community members who have a deep love and appreciation for making their home right here in Jackson, Tennessee.
“We always look at how we can be a better neighbor, a better steward to our community, not just through education, but also showcasing the partnerships and programs we have available to them to potentially give them what they are looking for,” Kilpatrick said.