Jackson Community College

Community Advisory Committee members come together to assist the College

            In its commitment to provide quality educational opportunities to students and Jackson County residents, Jackson Community College has assembled a committee of 14 members to consider the College's "connection" to the community and offer feedback and suggestions for improvement. This committee was formed by the JCC Board of Trustees in response to the Understanding the Apparent Gap Between Jackson Community College and the Jackson Community at Large Report, spearheaded by a task force sponsored by The Enterprise Group of Jackson, in partnership with the Weatherwax Foundation. 

            This JCC Community Advisory Committee came together for the first time July 7, with the community project report consultant, David Near, offering background and insights into the report.  Members will meet weekly through October to discuss key areas identified in the findings.  They will also discuss communication with stakeholders, and end with a validation and summary of findings.  Members will consider the core elements of the report and provide specific, viable recommendations to address those concerns and enhance community ownership of JCC.  

"It is my belief that this committee will bring forth valuable suggestions, along with input from the open community forums, to guide the board," according to JCC Chairman Dennis DaPra.  The committee will host a minimum of two countywide public forums to obtain community input regarding report findings and the apparent lack of connection.

            The committee will develop an actionable report, based on their findings, to be provided to the JCC Board of Trustees in October.  The Community Advisory Committee Membership includes:

·        Dale Moretz, Manufacturing Business Owner - Chair;

·        Dan Heyns, Sheriff, Jackson County;

·        Kirk Mercer, President, RW Mercer Construction;

·        Chad Noble, Director of Corporate Accounts Management, Foote Hospital;

·        Russell Davis, Athletic Director, Jackson Public Schools;

·        Ray Snell, Supervisor, Blackman Twp;

·        Reverend Jim Hines, Pastor, Lily Mission Baptist Church;

·        Dan Bishop, Public Affairs, Consumers Energy;

·        Brenda Abbey, Teamster, South Central Michigan Works!;

·        Tim Wohlford, Manager, Computer Services of Jackson;

·        John Graves, Superintendent, Jackson County Intermediate School District;

·        Kitrina Sims, Client Advocate, Jackson Interfaith Shelter;

·        Theresa Horne, President, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and

·        Hugh Lawrence, Plant Manager, Eaton Corporation and President of Jackson Area Manufacturing Association