Finding opportunity close to home: NoNo Pyne’s Jackson College journey

Choosing Jackson College was the right decision for student NoNo Pyne — and being part of the TRIO Student Support Services program opened even more doors.

Pyne enrolled at Jackson College in 2024 after taking a five-year break following high school. After several years of working — including a year in home health caregiving — the Jackson native decided to give college a try. With the campus close to home, Jackson College felt like the right place to start.

“Looking back, I am so glad I picked it. The campus has its own charm that I really didn’t understand before coming here,” Pyne said.

He began in general studies, working toward an Associate of Arts degree and completion of the Michigan Transfer Agreement. He’s gotten involved along the way, including singing with the college choir, Vocal Point, and tutoring fellow students in the Center for Student Success. He plans to graduate this spring and hopes to transfer to the University of Michigan to study data science.

After learning about TRIO at a Pathways Showcase Day, Pyne decided to get involved. As a first-generation college student, he found TRIO offered meaningful support — including tutoring, academic advising, visits to four-year colleges, service projects, cultural trips, and community-building events.

“TRIO is a real value. There’s a real culture of help and support,” he said. “There are field trips, like to McCourtie Park, that are fun outings. I would never let those go to waste.”

With the support of TRIO and Jackson College, Pyne says enrolling was one of the best decisions he’s made.

“It’s been one great educational journey. Now I think, wow — why did I wait so long?

JC, GVSU expand healthcare pathways with new articulation agreement

Marilynn Fryer

March 24, 2026

https://youtu.be/SLMWXryhtCY Jackson College and Grand Valley State University signed an agreement on Thursday formalizing a new articulation agreement that will expand educational pathways for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Through this partnership, students who complete the Medical Assistant Certificate at JC will have a seamless transfer pathway into the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health…

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‘Mutts Gone Nuts’ brings family-friendly comedy dog show to stage April 10

Marilynn Fryer

March 19, 2026

Audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy an evening of laughter and amazing canine talent as Mutts Gone Nuts takes the stage at Jackson College’s Potter Center at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026. This uproariously funny spectacular features a dozen of the world’s most talented four-legged performers in a show that has audiences…

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College presents hilarious stage comedy ‘Noises Off’ April 10–12

Marilynn Fryer

March 19, 2026

Get ready for a night of laughter as Jackson College brings one of the most celebrated comedies ever written, Noises Off, to the stage this April at the Potter Center. Performances will take place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 10–11, and 1 p.m. Sunday, April 12, in the Michael Baughman Theatre. Tickets are…

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Poetry Out Loud champ heads to state contest

Marilynn Fryer

March 12, 2026

Jackson College is excited to wish Zoelle Blackmon good luck at this weekend’s Poetry Out Loud State Finals! Zoelle won the Jackson College competition last fall with “little tree” by E. E. Cummings. Poetry Out Loud is a dynamic poetry recitation competition that helps students improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and deepen their appreciation…

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TEDxJackson College to Spotlight Michigan Voices “By MI Design” April 16

Marilynn Fryer

March 11, 2026

TEDxJackson College will bring the region’s most inspiring voices to the stage Thursday, April 16, from 4–7 p.m. at the Michael Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, on the campus of Jackson College. Centered on the theme “By MI Design,” the independently organized TEDx event will showcase Michigan-based speakers whose stories of resilience, innovation and transformation are…

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Easter Egg Hunt features treats, fun & more indoors at Potter Center!

Marilynn Fryer

March 10, 2026

Update Saturday’s Easter Egg Hunt is moving indoors due to cold and damp weather.Join us at the Potter Center for indoor Easter fun, including an Easter Egg trail, popcorn, and face painting in the Dining Commons. Take photos with the Easter Bunny, too! All festivities run from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; there will be…

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