Jackson College was founded as Jackson Junior College in 1928 and operated as a division of the Jackson Union School District. In 1962, Jackson County voters created Jackson Community College as a distinct entity; and in 1964, they passed a charter millage that still helps to fund the College today. Rapid enrollment and program growth in the 1960s spurred construction of a new campus on its present site. In June 2013, in light of the College’s decision to begin development of curriculum for two bachelor degree programs and increased efforts in international studies, the Board of Trustees voted to change the name to Jackson College.
Today, the College owns more than 500 acres and sits on a scenic rural site six miles south of the city of Jackson, and also operates Jackson College @ LISD TECH in Adrian, Clyde E. LeTarte Center, Hillsdale, and began offering classes at W.J. Maher Campus, Jackson in 2012.
Jackson College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504.
JAMIE VANDENBURGH, DEAN OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Jamie Vandenburgh, an esteemed figure in education, now assumes the pivotal role of Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at Jackson College. This dynamic leadership position is a testament to Jamie's unwavering dedication to innovation in teaching and learning, as well as a commitment to enhancing instructional strategies and expanding continuing education opportunities.
In this capacity, Jamie will provide visionary leadership in assessment, Competency-Based Education (CBE), and Corporate & Continuing Education. A critical aspect of Jamie's role involves shaping academic programs, assessing learning outcomes, and implementing competency-based education initiatives. Moreover, Jamie will be instrumental in fostering partnerships with corporate and continuing education entities, spearheading efforts in workforce partnership development, program expansion, and enhancement to ensure excellence in education and training.
Central to Jamie's mission is the promotion of diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence, along with a steadfast dedication to student engagement and success. Working closely with faculty, administrative staff, and external stakeholders, Jamie will ensure that Jackson College's academic offerings align seamlessly with industry demands and learner needs. Aligned with the institution's mission, vision, and values, Jamie will foster a collaborative relationship with faculty, staff, students, and the wider community, embodying a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose in advancing educational excellence.
DR. BENJAMIN A. VALDEZ, PROVOST & CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER
Benjamin Valdez joined Jackson College in August 2025 as Provost and Chief Academic Officer, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education. He has served in senior academic and administrative roles across community colleges, technical institutes, and universities, most recently as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Southeast Technical College in South Dakota and as Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs at The Art Institute of Colorado.
Benjamin has a proven record of advancing student success, strengthening academic quality, and fostering partnerships with business and community leaders to align education with the needs of the workforce. He has led major accreditation initiatives, secured significant grant funding to expand healthcare and technical training programs, and championed innovative approaches such as competency-based education and dual-enrollment expansion.
A first-generation college graduate, Benjamin holds a Doctor of Business Administration from California Southern University, an Educational Specialist degree from Liberty University, and dual master’s degrees in Business Administration and in Education from American InterContinental University.
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