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Campaign Phone
517-745-0508
Facebook
Matt Heins
I Graduated from Hanover Horton HS. I received my associate's degree from Jackson College, a Bachelor of Arts from MSU, and a Master of Public Administration from WMU. I worked at the City of Jackson Police Department for 27 years, including 10 as Chief of Police and the last 4 as Director of Police and Fire Services. I was an adjunct professor at JC for approximately 8 years. I have served on the JC Board for 18 years. My knowledge of the community and the college makes me an ideal candidate.
I was raised to believe in giving back. Jackson College shaped me with its small classes and dedicated professors. I always hoped to return and support future students. My professional and life experiences give me a meaningful perspective on the board and help ensure we provide the best opportunities for every student at Jackson College.
Jackson College supports first-generation and returning students by offering strong academic programs, trades, training, and workforce development. These pathways lead to living-wage careers that strengthen families and the community. In both the short and long term, education remains the great equalizer.
I support offering as many pathways as possible for students to advance their education. Dual enrollment provides major financial savings and reduces barriers, especially for first-generation students. It helps them explore career options without wasting resources. Expanding access benefits Jackson College and strengthens the community.
The cost of education will remain a challenge. Current funding is a three-legged stool. One leg comes from taxes, the second from the State of Michigan, and the third from students. Students continue to bear the majority of the cost. Tuition for Jackson College is substantially less than a four-year university, yet the cost can still be a burden for students. The State of Michigan has stepped in and is currently offering free tuition through MiLEAP. This is a great program, but it is limited in duration. We still need to develop innovative ways to keep costs down. Federal requirements for higher education are constantly changing. This makes it costly and time-consuming to ensure we comply with current requirements. This will remain a major challenge.
Campaign Phone
517-990-2504
I have both my bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial and operations engineering from the University of Michigan. I've been a small engineering business owner and operator for over 30 years in Jackson. I have served on the board of disAbility Connections here in Jackson since 2008, disAbility Connections Foundation Board since 2010, and the Jackson College Foundation since 2018. And I have served on the Jackson College Board of Trustees since being appointed by the Board in February.
I believe education is the road to opportunity in our society. And I believe everyone in our society deserves a quality education that offers economic opportunities and well-roundedness at the end of the day. I'm a product of a good education. And my business has provided for the education of our employees, seeing the value in post-secondary education. I believe I have the experience and foresight to help guide Jackson College both today and into the future.
I believe Jackson College can best serve the community, both in the short and long term, by reaching all those that desire a post-secondary education, be it an associate's degree, a certification, or with the purpose of transferring credits to a four-year degree program. Moreover, Jackson College can best serve the community by tailoring its programs, degrees, and certificates to meet the needs of local employers.
I do favor dual enrollment with high schools. I believe it is a win-win-win for both the students, the College and the community as a whole. Dual enrollment can save students money as they earn college credits while in high school. Moreover, dual enrollment helps to promote a meaningful career path for the attending students at an earlier age.
I believe the College has several important challenges, including affordability for students and reaching out to the needs of employers. The College will have to work hard to keep student costs competitive relative to other college options and keep student costs, including tuition, affordable. One approach that we currently are taking is through the Michigan Reconnect program through the state of Michigan that offers free tuition to those 21 years of age or older. In addition, the College needs to be nimble in being able to offer programs that serve local employers and the changing economic environment. Good examples of doing so include the Advanced Technology Center, which trains our future utility line workers and HVAC employees, and the medical simulation center.
Campaign Phone
5174147871
Facebook
The Committee to Elect Teshna Thomas
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Administration. As a Jackson College trustee and member of several community boards, I have strengthened my leadership, governance, collaboration, and fiduciary skills. I stay current on higher education issues through conferences, webinars, research, and peer learning. I listen, ask thoughtful questions, consider diverse perspectives, and support the college’s mission and long-term success.
I am running to help Jackson College remain innovative, accessible, financially responsible, and centered on student success. I will support strong leadership, partnerships, programs, and services that remove barriers, meet changing student and workforce needs, and create pathways to meaningful careers. By connecting education with economic development, I hope to strengthen the college and community while preparing both for future challenges and opportunities.
Short term: continue to listen to residents, employers, schools, and community groups; remove access barriers; expand flexible workforce training and student support; and respond to local needs. Long term: lead in responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) use by building AI literacy into academic and workforce programs, preparing students for change, ensuring fair access to tools and training, protecting privacy, upholding ethics and academic integrity, and preserving human judgement.
I support dual enrollment with high schools and four-year institutions. It helps students earn college credit at little or no cost, graduate sooner, and reduce tuition expenses. Jackson College strengthens these benefits through advising, transfer resources, and partnerships that create clearer pathways to a bachelor's degree. A possible challenge is balancing high school responsibilities with college-level work and expectations. Reverse transfer provides flexibility if the plan does not work.
Community colleges face federal funding and financial-aid changes, greater accountability for student outcomes, evolving workforce needs, and rapid technological and economic shifts. Although we cannot control federal policy, we can prepare by managing finances responsibly, pursuing new funding, and using programs such as Workforce Pell to expand access to education and career training. We must measure success beyond enrollment by helping students graduate, earn credentials, and secure good jobs through strong support and employer-aligned programs. As a trustee, I will ask thoughtful questions, support strong leadership, encourage innovation in technology and AI, and keep the college financially strong, accessible, and focused on preparing students for today's and tomorrow’s careers.
