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?

Jackson College Hillsdale to host Community Open House Aug. 13

Marilynn Fryer

July 20, 2026

HILLSDALE — Discover new opportunities available close to home during a Hillsdale Open House on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Jackson College Hillsdale campus – LeTarte Center, 3120 W. Carleton Road. The free event is open to prospective students, families, alumni, employers and anyone interested in learning more about Jackson…

Continue Reading Jackson College Hillsdale to host Community Open House Aug. 13

A Stellar Day in Jackson features 3 locations to learn about astronomy!

Marilynn Fryer

July 15, 2026

Jackson College, Ella Sharp Museum and Dahlem Center Invite Community to ‘A Stellar Day in Jackson’ Three attractions, endless wonder! Explore the wonders of the universe right in your own community during A Stellar Day in Jackson, a free celebration of astronomy taking place Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m., with special…

Continue Reading A Stellar Day in Jackson features 3 locations to learn about astronomy!

Get ready for great music, acrobatics & animals in the Potter Center’s 2026-27 season!

Marilynn Fryer

July 10, 2026

Jackson College’s Potter Center is pleased to announce its 2026-27 entertainment season!  Tickets will go on sale to the public on July 20! This year’s schedule includes: Chris Janson, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 Award-winning artist, producer and songwriter Chris Janson kicks off the season with his high-energy show and No. 1 country hits.…

Continue Reading Get ready for great music, acrobatics & animals in the Potter Center’s 2026-27 season!

Free CNC Fridays offer hands-on manufacturing training

Marilynn Fryer

July 2, 2026

Area teachers and community members looking to expand their advanced manufacturing knowledge are invited to participate in Free CNC Fridays at Jackson College this summer. The free, hands-on training introduces participants to computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer numerical control (CNC) machining while earning credit toward certification. The workshops will be held Friday,…

Continue Reading Free CNC Fridays offer hands-on manufacturing training

College launches region’s first accredited Blockchain certificate programs

Marilynn Fryer

July 2, 2026

This fall, Jackson College will become the first college in the region to offer accredited courses and certificates in blockchain technology. The new programs reflect the growing importance of blockchain in today’s workforce and provide students with opportunities to develop skills in one of the fastest-growing technology sectors. Blockchain is a type of digital database…

Continue Reading College launches region’s first accredited Blockchain certificate programs

Nourish Your Well-Being at free nutrition-focused HealthWise

Marilynn Fryer

July 2, 2026

Community members are invited to a free HealthWise event exploring nutrition set for Monday, July 27 in the Medical Simulation Center, Justin Whiting Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Discover how the food you eat can impact your overall health and well-being. Join Jackson College’s dental hygiene students as they present “Nourish Your Well-Being: Discover the Power” and…

Continue Reading Nourish Your Well-Being at free nutrition-focused HealthWise