From student to educator. How alum Monica Pierce believes Jackson College set her up for success

Monica Pierce has been the Principal of Instruction at Jackson High School since 2019 – the first African-American in that role — and an integral part of Jackson Public Schools for more than 2 decades. Before her rise in academia, the road began at Jackson College in 1994.  

The Journey 

Back then, she was a teenage parent working at the former retailer Jacobson’s. Jackson College, or JCC at the time, caught her attention and saw it as an opportunity to improve her family’s future. She initially wanted to be an ultrasound technician but later decided to return to education and earned her Associate in General Studies degree in 1997.  

“My experience was wonderful. I worked in the CARE office with Flamingo Brown, Tyrone Wilson and Woody Wilson was one of my advisors,” she said. “I remember all the great relationships that were created when I was in this space along with the professors that I had but working here as a student, I think created the atmosphere that made me want to be here because I just felt they cared about me.” 

Monica’s passion for education never left. She describes it as one of her first loves. It led her to   Spring Arbor University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in 1999 and later, earned her and master’s degree in educational administration from Michigan State University in 2004.  

“Jackson College was instrumental in my success because it allowed me to start small,” she said. “I wasn’t in a situation where I could go off to a university with an 8-month-old daughter, so I began my college career here and was able to work here as well. I encourage all young people to start here because for a fraction of the cost that you pay to go to Jackson College, instead of a university, you get the same degree at the same caliber. 

Passion for Education 

Right now, she serves on the Jackson College Alumni Advisory Council. She says doing that along with her position at Jackson High School allows her to network with Jackson College employees such as Antoine Breedlove and Brenda Brandon in the multicultural center. She says our Men of Merit and Sisters of Strength allow students at JPS to participate in similar groups there with the goal of continuing participation at JC.  

Jackson Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Beal says Monica epitomizes what it means to be an educator.  

“Having worked in multiple positions under various leaders, she has developed her voice and leadership style that is currently leading Jackson High School into the future,” Beal said. “She believes in the power of public education. She is a great role model and example for our students who will one day follow in her footsteps to potentially go into teaching, settle in our community, and one day take their place in leading the future of our district.” 

She says the Early College program provided at Jackson High School allows students to tap into college-level courses earlier.  

“I have two students who are currently at Jackson High and they are both signed up for the early college programs, so they get that college feel with the classes early on but also to take away the stigma of a junior college because it’s not a bad thing. It’s just a different option.  

Family Tradition 

Continuing education at Jackson College has become a family tradition for the Pierces. Even after being accepted into Michigan State University, Monica’s daughter chose to begin her higher education journey at Jackson College.  

“A lot of times it’s a better option for more students than they realize. Again, going back to my daughter’s class she would say this student and that student have to come back from the university and they’re now attending Jackson College. So, save yourself some money in the beginning and just start out small and grow big.”  

Pierce’s daughter would go on graduate from JC to become a registered nurse and then received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Michigan-Flint.  

“It’s an intimate familial environment that cultivates relationships and the desire to want to be more,” she said. “I encourage all young people in my space and any space to at least look at the options here at Jackson College.”  

Pierce thinks coming to Jackson College can become a powerful tool to shape students into future leaders.  

“My students become Jackson College students and Jackson College students become our future leaders I see on campus and every day the folks who work out here are the people from our community. It’s just a system that grows leaders and I appreciate being part of and allowing our students to be part of it as well.” 

Monica was the 2022 recipient of the Jackson College Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service Award which honors individuals and organizations who give time, talent and resources to make our community a better place.