The Board of Trustees has unanimously approved the selection of Dr. Debra Mays-Jackson as the new vice president for the Utica Campus, Vicksburg-Warren Campus and Administrative Services, replacing Dr. George Barnes. She will oversee the operation of both campuses and Hinds Agricultural High School and will be the administrator in charge of the district’s non-discrimination policies and compliance.
“We are very fortunate to have someone with her background and educational experience,” said Dr. Clyde Muse, Hinds Community College president. “She is uniquely suited to this leadership position at the college and to the duties associated with Hinds Agricultural High School. As an alumnus of the Utica Campus, she fully appreciates the mission of the college and the Utica Campus’ special historical significance.”
Dr. Mays-Jackson is currently serving as executive director of academic support for high schools in the Jackson Public School District and supervises the academic programs of seven high schools and two specialty schools, including the International Baccalaureate, the Academic and Performing Arts, JROTC and Career Development Center.
She previously served as principal of Forest Hill High School, from 2007-2011. While at Forest Hill, she led the school from “Underperforming School “status to “Successful” status in one school year and helped the school to maintain “Successful” status for three consecutive years. In 2011, she was recognized as the Administrator of the Year for JPS.
Other previous positions include choral director for Powell Middle School and Canton High School, middle school assistant principal for Hardy Middle School, and high school assistant principal for Murrah High School.
In 2011, Dr. Mays-Jackson delivered the commencement address at the Utica Campus and, most recently, she worked with the college to establish a Mississippi Works/Early College partnership between JPS and Hinds.
Her talent and love of music was nurtured at the Utica Campus under the tutelage of Dr. Bobby Cooper. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Hinds in 1989.
“I’m honored to return to Hinds Community College, Utica Campus, in in this capacity,” she said. “It was at the Utica Campus where my foundation for adult life and a career were established. It is my desire to effectively lead our campuses with passion and integrity. We will, in a family-oriented atmosphere, continue to serve students and prepare them for success. I am eager to begin the work on July 22.”
Dr. Mays-Jackson received her doctorate in Education from Mississippi State University, a Specialist of Education degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Jackson State University, and a Masters of Music degree, also from JSU. She is currently serving as an adjunct professor in the JSU Educational Leadership department.
She and her husband G. Torrie Jackson, Jr. currently live in Terry, Miss., and have two children, sons Cameron, 16, and Kendall, 13.