New President of Jackson State Community College takes on first week

Jackson State Community College searched for a new leader, after past president Dr. Allana Hamilton accepted a job with the Tennessee Board of Regents in 2019.

Dr. Jeff Sisk served as interim president until the board officially appointed a new president this June, Dr. George Pimentel.

“It’s an exciting time and it’s a lot going on, but we’re ready and we’re going to be helping to serve the students and the community", says Pimentel.

Pimentel spoke about his immediate plans for the college as they work through re-opening in the fall.

He says he is working with a team of faculty and staff across the campus to make the safest decision.

“We call the pandemic response team meetings, where it brings in a variety of people across campus to talk about various logistical issues, how we will get to do this on campus, how we keep them safe", adds the new president.

Jackson State serves students in 14 counties surrounding their main campus in Madison County.

Pimentel says one thing he wants is to make the experience of registering, taking classes, and graduating better for students.

The president adds, “I’ve met with many people on campus and we’re working towards formulating our goals and strategies. Some of the things I know we’re going to be doing soon will be hopefully improving the experience of students.”

He also mentioned that the response team is working on a three prong plan based on the flex concept.

With this concept students will be taking hybrid classes. Mixing online and face to face components for each class.

Imani Williams for 39 news, in Jackson.