What we are all about

Jackson College is deeply committed to promoting the importance of equity and diversity for all students, staff, and faculty. It is our utmost desire to continue to provide an educational atmosphere that is inclusive to the work of diversity, equity and belonging.

Our history

Jackson College offers quality, transformational educational opportunities to prepare students for today’s career fields or transfer to a university.

Founded as Jackson Junior College in 1928, the College operated as a division of the public Jackson Union School District and was located near the high school in downtown Jackson, Mich. In 1962, Jackson County voters created Jackson Community College as a distinct entity; and in 1964, they passed a charter millage that still helps to fund the College today. Rapid enrollment and program growth in the 1960s spurred construction of a new campus on its present site. In 2013, in light of the College’s decision to begin development of curriculum for bachelor’s degree programs and increased efforts in international studies, the Board of Trustees voted to change the name to Jackson College.

Today, the College owns more than 500 acres and sits on a scenic rural site six miles south of the city of Jackson, and also operates Jackson College @ LISD TECH in Adrian, Clyde E. LeTarte Center, Hillsdale, and W.J. Maher Campus, Jackson. Online learning opportunities offer education around the world.

Mission Statement

Together we inspire and transform lives.

We are committed to diversity

• Promote a positive attitude toward diversity and serve as an active voice for the institutional changes and cultural learning required of a diverse college community.
• Promote research and serve as a resource on issues of diversity.
• Promote dialogue on issues of diversity.
• Promote a curriculum sensitive to diversity.
• Uphold the vision and purpose of JC’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.

Jackson College Equity Statement

Jackson College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution that embraces diversity as one of its highest priorities and is firmly committed to establishing and maintaining excellence through diversity in education and employment. We respect and value differences among our student body, workforce and community and are dedicated to intentionally fostering a welcoming environment of openness and appreciation for all.

Through our commitment to equity, we will establish and sustain a learning environment that supports the recruitment, retention and success of students from all backgrounds, including those readily visible differences and the underlying differences.

Through our commitment to equity, we are dedicated to advancing and building a diverse workforce through intentional hiring practices, marketing strategies, and performance review procedures to best position ourselves to attract, retain, and develop a talented and highly skilled faculty, staff, and administration from diverse backgrounds.

Through our commitment to equity, Jackson College will sustain and enhance its role as a world-class institution of higher education in a global community.

Jackson College Diversity and Equity Committees

Diversity, Equity & Belonging Committee focuses on establishing and enhancing a culture of diversity and belonging at Jackson College, offering programs, professional development, and ensuring policies and practices are inclusive and equitable.

Lux et Veritas focuses on enhancing diversity of thought,  perspectives, worldviews,  with civility through conversations and symposia..

Committee on Equitable Outcomes (CEO) focuses on equity in curriculum, pedagogy, training, academic outcomes, completion, accountability measures and classroom experiences. No one leaves Jackson College with a degree or certificate without an understanding of our history regarding racial bias, conscious or unconscious.

Equity Audit Committee

Equity Audit Committee is conducting a thorough analysis of Jackson College from an equity lens, researching its history to identify equity gaps and any racism while identifying opportunities to make improvements where appropriate.

Equity Initiatives Documentation Committee A standby committee that warehouses all equity initiatives, data and programs and helps with equity-related applications for grants, surveys, proposals, etc.

Jackson College Affinity Groups In an effort to better understand and serve the various ethnic communities in the College’s service area, the College has established several affinity groups from the various local ethnic communities. These groups meet to strategize on ways the College can better serve each respective community. In an effort to increase the affinity group’s effectiveness, the College is hiring a part-time liaison for each group. There are five affinity groups: Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Pakistani, and Indian.