Jackson State University alum, Dr. Debra Mays-Jackson, has been named the new vice president for the Hinds Community College Utica Campus, Vicksburg-Warren Campus and Administrative Services. She will oversee 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.”
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 Jackson Public Schools.
Other previous positions include choral director for Powell Middle School and Canton High School, assistant principal for Hardy Middle School, and assistant principal for Murrah High School.
“I’m honored to return to Hinds Community College, Utica Campus, 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.”
Mays-Jackson received a Specialist of Education degree in Educational Administration and Supervision and a master’s degree in music from Jackson State University. She earned her doctorate in Education from Mississippi State University. 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.