Jackson County Higher Education Alliance
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Charles H. Webb, President Spring Arbor University, Patricia Kaufman, President Baker College Jackson and Dr. Daniel J. Phelan, President/CEO Jackson Community College.
Higher education is a vital, driving force for the future. As leaders of Jackson County’s three institutions of higher education – Baker College, Jackson Community College and Spring Arbor University – we are pleased to offer educational opportunities that play an integral role in enhancing our towns and communities.
A college education provides valuable knowledge and skills to students. According to 2008 figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average high school graduate’s weekly earnings were $618, while someone with an associate degree brought home $757 and someone with a bachelor’s degree, $1,012. Multiply the averages over years or a lifetime, and the difference is significant. Communities gain from an enhanced economy. Higher education not only benefits students financially, but also enriches individuals’ personal lives in intangible ways as students explore issues and develop their own personality and belief system.
Jackson County’s higher education institutions contribute to and support the arts and cultural ventures that enrich our communities. Students are involved in the arts directly, and the institutions also sponsor and are heavily involved in communitywide efforts, like the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Shakespeare Festival, Ella Sharp Museum, Center Stage Jackson and more.
Higher education is also a dynamic force behind a community’s entrepreneurial spirit. As our economy changes, Michigan needs more entrepreneurs ready to step up and launch new business ventures.
We encourage you to learn more about how Jackson County’s Higher Education Alliance is working to help all in
our community.
Math Summit Action Planning coming to Jackson Community College February 19th, 2010. More details coming soon.