Jean Jackson

Veteran Staff Member Retires From Erskine

In Erskine's Office of Student Services, dedication to students is essential. For longtime staff member Jean Jackson, it is second nature. Jackson retired recently after nearly two decades at Erskine, most of them spent in the Student Services office.

"Jean reflects what Erskine is all about—caring," said Monty Wooley, Erskine's Vice President for Student Services and Athletics. "She cares so much for each and every student at Erskine College and she worked tirelessly to see that their needs were met."

Beginning in 1984, when she came to work for Vice President and Dean of the College Dr. James Knight, Jackson has focused on students.

"I worked about two and a half years for Dr. Knight, and then, having an interest in students with learning disabilities and some training and background in that area, I transferred to the office that provided them with support services," said Jackson, who assisted Erskine staff member Penny Thomas.

Jackson eventually transferred to the Office of Student Services, continuing to work with Thomas, who is now Associate Dean of Students. Students remained central to her efforts. "Jean strove for excellence in all that she did," Thomas said.

Jackson said she has learned much from her coworkers at Erskine.

"I have been amazed at the dedication of the faculty and staff, their willingness to give of their time and talents, and their genuine interest in completing a task or goal," Jackson said. "The opportunity to spend my days working with so many fine people has been most rewarding, inspiring, and uplifting.

"I have also learned a lot from the students," said Jackson. "I am always impressed by their ability to organize their time and include so many different aspects of life in their daily regimen.

"It's been gratifying to watch the students reach out to each other in genuine Christian love and concern," Jackson continued. "I've seen their willingness to share their time, talents and gifts with each other as well as with the underprivileged."

Jackson has seen all sorts of students make their way through the Erskine experience. "One of the things I have enjoyed so much is seeing the students who are self-motivated realize their dreams at Erskine," she said. "And then there are the students who really don't have much direction when they enter college, but come in and find their way. It's been rewarding to watch that."

How does Jackson account for the success enjoyed by so many Erskine students? "I think one of the biggest things is the dedication of the faculty and the fact that we are small and are able to provide them with one-on-one attention," she said. "I also think we have some awfully strong families here. The family support means a lot."

According to Jackson, the help she has given to students over the years has worked both ways. "The students have afforded me the opportunity to be needed and wanted," she said. "It's been wonderful to feel that I could lend an ear or a shoulder whenever some problem or some crisis arose, and perhaps be of some assistance in resolving an issue.

"It has been wonderful to see the students as they come into the college and watch them grow academically and spiritually," said Jackson.

"I have been so lucky to work with Jean Jackson," said Brooke Clinton, Student Activities Director at Erskine. The 1998 Erskine graduate remembers what it was like to be a student coming into Jackson's orbit of concern.

"When Mrs. Jackson asks, 'How are you, darling?' she expects full details," Clinton said.

Clinton said she has looked to Jackson for inspiration. "Her dedication to the betterment of this school has been an excellent example for me to follow," said Clinton. "The students are not the only ones who will miss her heartfelt care and concern."

Working in Student Services has offered Jackson many chances to think on her feet. She admits that one of the trickier tasks of her job has been "To have an intelligent answer to students' questions or direct them to the right source should I draw a blank."

But Jackson zeroes in on the greatest challenge she has faced every day in nearly 20 years at Erskine. "To be the kind of person I should be in order to set the right example for our students," Jackson said. "That's been the most challenging thing."

As Jackson reflects on her time at Erskine, she finds meaning in the friendships she has made with both students and parents. "To have students stay in touch and keep me abreast of their whereabouts has meant so much," she said. "And it assures me of their success. Many of the parents have continued to call or write as well."

"Student Services will not be the same without Jean Jackson," said Dean of Students Dr. Robyn Agnew. "So many students and colleagues have depended on, learned from and confided in Jean for almost 20 years. I'm grateful to have worked alongside her and I will always be inspired by her zest for life."

Jackson looks forward to an active retirement, and says she plans to work with one of her favorite service agencies. She enjoys gardening and painting, and art classes may be in her future. "My granddaughter is being married next May," said Jackson. "She's asked for my 'input' on several things, so maybe I can help with that.

"My husband's health won't permit any extended travel, but I hope we can make some short hops to the coast," she said. "And I hope Student Services will let me come by and help out in times of need."

Now that's dedication.