Home / About / Awards & Recognition / Community Awards / Distinguished Service Award Distinguished Service Award The Jackson College Board of Trustees presents the Distinguished Service Award each year to an individual or individuals who demonstrate exemplary service both to the community and to the College. Honorees are selected for their care and concern, beyond self, for the welfare and educational advancement of this community that has been expressed, in part, through the College. It is the highest honor given by the College to our committed and involved community leaders, one similar to that of an honorary doctorate bestowed by universities. 2026 Recipient Sheila Patterson Sheila Patterson, recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Service Award, has dedicated nearly two decades to Jackson College, serving on the Board of Trustees since 2007. During her tenure, she provided steady leadership and helped guide the College through years of growth and modernization, while fostering a collaborative environment that valued diverse perspectives and strong governance. In addition to her service to the College, Patterson has worked at Consumers Energy since 2002 and has been active in the community through roles with the Jackson Community Foundation, the City of Jackson Civil Service Commission, and JaxNaz Church. A lifelong Jackson resident and recipient of the 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service, she leaves a lasting legacy of integrity and commitment to her community. Past Recipients 2025 John Crist 2024 Sam R. BarnesMartha A. Petry 2023 Dr. Edward A. MatheinRonald L. Douglass 2022 Leland Bassett 2021 Greg O’Connor 2020 Evelyne JonesAlbert Krieger 2019 Senator Mike Shirkey 2018 Kirk Mercer 2017 Karen and Bart Hawley 2016 Christine Medlar 2015 Reverend Frank Hampton 2014 Karen Dunigan (Posthumously) 2013 Representative John Walsh 2012 Senator Mike Nofs 2011 Henry C. Zavislak 2010 Rep Mike Simpson (Posthumously) 2009 Dennis DaPraTony DungyDr. Harish Rawal 2008 R. Dale MoretzCharles E. Anderson 2007 George Potter 2006 Dale Smith 2005 John Crist 2004 Georgia Fojtasek 2003 Bill SigmandJerry KratzFred Slete 2002 Rick Davies 2000 Clyde E. LeTarte 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 MLK Celebration 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 Professional Licensure Disclosures Transparency Reporting
