McLennan Community College (MCC) recently appointed Dr. Tina Jackson as dean of Workforce Education & Public Service.
With extensive experience in higher education leadership, workforce development, and career and technical education, Jackson brings a statewide perspective to MCC and a strong background in developing programs that connect education with workforce needs.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jackson,” said Dr. Chad Eggleston, vice president of Instruction and Student Engagement. “Her statewide workforce education experience will strengthen MCC’s ability to respond to changing workforce needs, expand pathways that connect students with high-demand careers and support Central Texas employers seeking skilled workers.”
Jackson joins MCC after serving six years as assistant commissioner of Workforce Education at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). In that role, she oversaw the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Basic and Leadership Grant and the Texas Reskilling & Upskilling Education (TRUE) Grant, which expands access to high-value, short-term credentials for in-demand fields. She also oversaw THECB work-based learning initiatives, collaborated with the Texas Education Agency and Texas Workforce Commission, and contributed to work surrounding House Bill 8 and other workforce education legislation.
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“I’m thrilled to begin this next chapter at MCC; this is a full-circle moment for me—an opportunity to bring my statewide workforce education experience back to the college and community level, where we can make a direct difference for students, families and employers,” Jackson said. “MCC’s strong sense of community and commitment to responding to the evolving needs of students and employers align with my passion for creating pathways that help students gain the skills and credentials they need to move into rewarding careers.”
As dean, Jackson will oversee Business Programs, Human Services, the Education Alternative Teaching Program, Adult Education & Literacy, the Child Development Center, and Emergency Services Education. Together, these areas serve students at multiple stages of their education and career journeys while helping MCC respond to the workforce needs of the region.
Prior to joining THECB, Jackson held leadership positions at Collin College, The University of Texas at Austin and Dallas County Community College District. At Collin College, she served as district director of developmental education, where the program received the National Association of Developmental Education's 2019 Promising Program Award. At UT Austin, she helped lead a statewide effort to redesign developmental mathematics across Texas community colleges.
Jackson's leadership and research in higher education have earned several recognitions, including selection for the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education Leadership and Mentoring Institute and a Community College Leadership Fellowship from The University of Texas at Austin. Jackson holds a bachelor’s and a master's degree in education from the University of Minnesota, and a doctorate in educational administration from The University of Texas at Austin.
