How Jackson College Navigator Jamie Witt’s impact guides success of students

Jamie Witt loves working with students. Jackson College’s campus and emphasis on total commitment to student success is what drew Jamie to work here. 

“They really focus on building relationships with students rather than having these transactional interactions and that was really important to me since I had seen several college advisors in my college days,” she said. “It was really nice to come across an advisor that was in my corner and I wanted to be that for students.” 

The eight-year Jackson College employee started in student services, moved to building coordinator and now works closely with students at Jackson Preparatory and Early College as a navigator.  

“As navigators it’s really important for us to build that relationship and that rapport with our students,” Witt said. “We also discuss especially at this age level what sparks your interest and what do you see yourself doing as a career. We just encourage them along the way letting them know they can do it.” 

Every Thursday Jamie and school counselor Jessica Yonnick help students register each semester and discuss their long-term plans.  

“We have lots of different certificates and associate degrees that students can go for and at this age they probably don’t know what is offered or what to start to pursue so just making sure they know what their options are is a big one,” she said. 

Jamie has seen students bloom. Freshmen and sophomores receive associate degrees by their junior year, students who have earned multiple associate degrees and others who struggled found their interests and thrived with their help.  

“They have adapted to college classes really young and that is so impressive to me,” Witt said. 

Pouring into her work led her to be recognized by JPEC and Jackson College Presidents Jonathon Marowelli and Dan Phelan.  

“It made me feel really appreciated and I felt very proud to be part of Jackson College and have this opportunity to work with JPEC students,” Witt said.  

What is it like to see the success of these students? 

“It feels awesome. Truly amazing. I’m grateful for the opportunity. One of the biggest things that I like to see if when we’re planning their plan and they look at it with me and they see ‘oh my gosh, I’m going to have my associates by the time I’m a senior or at the end of my thirteenth year’ and you just can just see the excitement on their faces. I think it gives them motivation to continue in their educational journey for a bachelor’s degree or makes them feel more confident going into a career. It’s exciting to have a small hand in their huge successes.”