Milestones are important in the life of any institution.† This fall a milestone deserving of attention has occurred at Northeast Texas Community College - its first employee retired.
This year NTCC honors the 31-year-service of Judy Jackson, the first employee hired when the college was formed.†Judy's role changed over the†years†as the college grew from an infant organization into the dynamic, far-reaching institution that it is today.
Judy began her relationship with NTCC as a community volunteer who worked tirelessly to pass the original election that created the college in 1984.†She was hired by the first Board of Trustees before the college even had a president.
Just like so many others in this area, Judy started her post-secondary education at Northeast, by earning an Associate degree in 1987.†That start led her to complete a Bachelors degree and later a Masters degree from East Texas State University, laying down a path that many others have followed since.
Many college programs and activities that still exist today were either started by Judy or included her efforts.† From student activities and honor society chapters to employee giving campaigns and community-based scholarship programs, Judy was involved.† Judy wrote or managed many of the grants which have helped the college grow and provide services to students.
"It would be hard to imagine anyone that impacted more people in practical ways than Ms. Jackson.†Her loyalty and dogged determination to make a difference in others? lives has impressed me.††And I am confident she will continue to support this college as well as the students we serve in new ways in her retirement," Dr. Brad Johnson, NTCC President, said.
Judy?s career at†Northeast†is instructive of what career paths look like in a rapidly-changing world.† She has held more than a dozen positions across her three decades of service.† From her start as Secretary to the Dean of Students, Judy grew into a Coordinator of Student Activities, Director of Counseling, Director of Continuing Education, and finally Director of Educational Services and Community Relations at the Hanson-Sewell Center in Pittsburg, to name only a few.
An educational institution should have a heart for community service, and Judy has exemplified that spirit in her extensive volunteer history.† She has served the Chamber of Commerce, Lion?s Club, God?s Closet, the Museum, and the annual Health Fair, among others.
"It is tough to sum up my history with this special college in a sentence or two.††Challenging, exciting, rewarding, life changing for me, my family, our students and community.††I once wrote creating NTCC was like offering a drink to someone deprived of water.†It was immediately consumed and has become a vital staple in the maintenance, growth and health of our community.††I'm blessed to have been there," Judy said.
Jackson and other NTCC retirees Nelda Davis, Olivia Tuttle and Kim Wommack were honored at a college reception on Oct 30.
