King Medal of Service Award The Jackson College King Medal of Service award honors individuals and organizations who give time, talent and resources to make our community a better place. The medal will be awarded during the Jackson College King Celebration in January. The award criteria include those who are committed to carrying out the dream and vision of Dr. King in several areas: Belief in the basic tenets of cultural and ethnic diversity; Giving back to the community through volunteerism and service; Support and promotion of educational opportunities for underrepresented populations in Jackson County; Promoting financial opportunities for poorer citizens of Jackson County; Guiding youth and offering opportunities for social and moral development, giving them tools to interact socially with the broader culture; and, Working toward a safe community and reduction of crime in Jackson County. nomination form 2025 Recipient Lee Hampton Lee Hampton is the senior pastor of the Church of God in Jackson, succeeding his late father in 2019. Before entering full-time ministry, he spent over 15 years in higher education, including roles at Jackson College and Spring Arbor University. Under his leadership, the church has grown a national and international online following, expanding from hundreds to nearly 7,000 subscribers. The Church of God also operates a school with over 200 students and partners with the county judicial system, local shelters, jails, and prisons. Its outreach includes seminars on marriage, family, financial literacy, education, homeownership, and more. Hampton has also published several faith-based books. A strong community advocate, Hampton has served on multiple committees and contributed his expertise to local organizations. At Jackson College, he co-founded Men of Merit and oversaw Sisters of Strength. He is a frequent presenter and writer on higher education topics. He and his wife, Melinda, share nine children. Past Recipients 2025 Lee Hampton 2024 Jeremy Patterson 2023 Anthony Parker 2022 Monica Pierce 2021 Benny Poole 2020 Arlene Robinson 2019 Harold White Jr. 2018 Alan Wade 2017 Robert Burton, Sr. 2016 Bobby Thompkins 2015 Farris Coppage, Jr. 2014 Barbara and Ron Bradley 2013 Sheila A. PattersonCarl Breeding 2012 Woodrow Wilson, Jr. 2011 Judith GantonRenell Weathers 2010 Bobby BurtonGolden GibsonGail Mahoney 2009 Francis ReevesErnestine SimmonsFrank Weathers 2008 Pastor Frank HamptonJanice Fairly 2007 Charlie AndersonPat AndersonReverend Jay Cummings 2005 Dr. David HamiltonPastor James HinesShirley PittsShelley Saines About Who We Are About the College Maroon & Gold Standards Strategic Agenda Locations Central Campus Jackson College Hillsdale Hillsdale County Early Middle College Jackson College Lenawee Jackson College Global Fast Facts Careers Leadership Board of Trustees Members Meetings Policies By-Laws Performance Monitoring File a Complaint President’s Office About the President Initiatives Advocacy Executive Order Compliance Former Presidents Resources Executive Council Academic Council Instructional Quality Committees Organizational Charts History Heritage Center Awards & Recognition Community Awards Distinguished Service Award King Medal of Service Award Employee Awards Outstanding Administrator Award Outstanding Faculty Award Outstanding Staff Award TCS2 Award Student Recognition Dean’s List Outstanding Student Award Points of Pride Institutional Info & Reporting Accreditation Consumer Information Policies & Procedures Transparency Reporting