Outstanding Administrator

Nominations may be submitted by any JC employee or student and will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the previous year’s winner of the Outstanding Administrator Award and 5 employees.

Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 15, 2024.

  • Nomination Form

  • Nominee Information
  • Nominator Information
  • • The success of our students is always our first priority
    • We must perform our jobs admirably, giving our best service and support every day, for everyone
    • Teamwork is founded upon people bringing different gifts and perspectives
    • We provide educational opportunities for those who might otherwise not have them
    • In providing employees with a safe and fulfilling work environment, as well as an opportunity to grow and learn
    • Our progress must be validated by setting goals and measuring our achievements
    • We must make decisions that are best for the institution as a whole
    • Building and maintaining trusting relationships with each other is essential
    • Competence and innovation are essential means of sustaining our values in a competitive marketplace
    • We make a positive difference in the lives of our students, our employees, and our communities
    • In the principles of integrity, opportunity and fairness
    • We must prepare our students to be successful in a global environment
    • Our work matters
  • Hidden

    Please list the nominee’s accomplishments as they relate to the following criteria:

    - Consistent excellence in overall work
    - Service to the college by participation in college-wide activities or initiatives and service to the community.
    - Reflects the Jackson College Values: Integrity, Caring, Collaboration, Quality, Inclusion, Service and Leadership.
    - Embodies the Jackson College Statement of Beliefs:
    • The success of our students is always our first priority
    • We must perform our jobs admirably, giving our best service and support every day, for everyone
    • Teamwork is founded upon people bringing different gifts and perspectives
    • We provide educational opportunities for those who might otherwise not have them
    • In providing employees with a safe and fulfilling work environment, as well as an opportunity to grow and learn
    • Our progress must be validated by setting goals and measuring our achievements
    • We must make decisions that are best for the institution as a whole
    • Building and maintaining trusting relationships with each other is essential
    • Competence and innovation are essential means of sustaining our values in a competitive marketplace
    • We make a positive difference in the lives of our students, our employees, and our communities
    • In the principles of integrity, opportunity and fairness
    • We must prepare our students to be successful in a global environment
    • Our work matters
  • Hidden

Award Recipients

  • 2023 – Justin Gaeta

    Justin Gaeta headshot

    Justin Gaeta

    2023

  • 2022 – Ashley Van Heest

    Ashley Van Heest

    Ashley Van Heest

    2022

  • 2021 – Jessica Houston

    Jessica Houston

    Jessica Houston

    2021

    As student ombudsman since 2013, Jessica Houston gives a voice to students to help overcome many challenges they face in obtaining a college degree. Jessica has been instrumental in the Ready, Set, Jet!, serves on the Diversity, Equity and Belonging Committee, Committee of Equitable Outcomes, Recruitment and Retention, and Academic Council. She is active with Bright Walls, Nonprofit Network and Jackson Young Professionals.

  • 2020 – Kelly Crum

    Kelly Crum

    Kelly Crum

    Chief Diversity Officer/Director, Diversity, Equity, And Belonging

    2020

    “I was in total shock! There are so many well deserving administrators and for someone to think of me, it’s very humbling. I love everything about my job from the relationships I have with the students, collaborating with my colleagues (administration, faculty and staff) on a daily basis and being able to provide insight as we serve students, my multicultural affairs team, and my Jackson community. I am in awe of our Jackson College family; we are Jackson College Strong!”

  • 2019 – Todd Butler

    Todd Butler headshot

    Todd Butler

    2019

    Todd Butler serves as dean of arts and sciences for Jackson College, where he’s worked since 2010. As a dean, he observes and works with faculty to help improve curriculum and instruction. He often interacts with community partners, such as high schools and employers, to better serve our students and the community.

    “I love building programs and curricula that meet the needs of the community and our students,” he said. This could include developing a new degree in agriculture, working with the Corrections Education Program or working to receive approval for the first baccalaureate degree in energy systems management in Michigan.

    He spends more time in the classroom now than ever before, as observing both full- and part-time faculty is a privilege and a priority. “I look at the new faculty that have been hired over my years in this position and am very proud of the work of the search committees and of the high bar that is set for new faculty members,” he said.

    Away from the College, he serves on the Lenawee County Humane Society Board.

  • 2018 – Melissa Merkel

    Melissa Merkel

    2018

    Melissa Merkel

    Melissa Merkel has worked as director of the TRIO Student Support Services program at Jackson College since 2014. TRIO provides support to qualifying students to help them reach their academic goals. In addition, she oversees the College Food Pantry and acts as a community liaison to build relationships with organizations that may be able to assist students at Jackson College. Melissa has become very involved in state, regional and national TRIO organizations to be a voice for policy change. She enjoys the opportunity to work to make a difference in the students that she works with.

  • 2017 – Jeremy Frew

     

    Jeremy Frew

    2017

    Jeremy Frew

    Jeremy Frew has worked for the College since 2011. In 2017 he was recognized for his work as dean of occupational education, in which he oversees all of the occupational programs, including course scheduling. He also oversaw Corporate and Continuing Education and he currently is vice president of student services. As a leader, he works to empower others and to lift barriers so all can do a better job for students.

  • 2016 – Darrell Norris

     

    Darrell Norris

    2016

    Darrell Norris

    Darrell Norris’s life was changed as a student at Jackson College. As vice president of finance, he works to ensure that future students have that same opportunity! Darrell oversees the College’s finances and the business office, managing everything from student account to payroll to payment of outside vendors, as well as government reporting. He also uses his finance skills to help in the community.

  • 2015 – Lee Hampton

    Lee Hampton

    2015

    Lee Hampton

    As Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Belonging & Chief Diversity Officer at Jackson College, Lee Hampton helps with many aspect of multicultural programming, multicultural community relations and minority student recruitment. He’s seen minority enrollment increase, student groups formed and community events such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations grow. Lee enjoys connecting with students and the community. He has made presentations at the state and national levels.

  • 2014 – Jason Valente

     

    Headshot of Jason Valente

    2014

    Jason Valente

    Jason Valente, former president of the Jackson College Foundation, wants to help students find success. The Foundation and Office of Advancement comprise the fund-raising and legislative affairs arm of the College, working with donors, alumni and friends to help support student scholarships and College initiatives. He enjoys the opportunity to change students’ lives.

  • 2013 – Nancy Miller

    2013

    Nancy Miller

    Nancy Miller worked at the College from 2009-2013 and was recognized for her work as executive dean of students and quality and institutional research & effectiveness. She provided oversight for student services, academic advising, financial aid, registration and records, housing, athletics, and institutional research & effectiveness efforts, such as the student ombudsman. She enjoyed the opportunities to build supportive relationships with students.