Melissa Jackson

All About Me...
I was born and raised in Osceola, Arkansas-the oldest of four children and the only girl, and like many of you, I graduated from high school…still uncertain of my future plans.  However, I scurried on to the next step-COLLEGE!!!  Why, because it was the thing to do.  After graduation I headed on to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and discovered “a whole new world”.  I was very involved and had the task of trying to fit band practice, R.A. meetings, Honors College, Gospel Choir, and several other activities into my busy schedule and still succeed academically (sound familiar?). 

While a freshman at U. A. P. B. I met Perry Jackson and after dominating him in a debate (in my Oral Communications class), I later married him and we started a family (two boys-Zanthanee and Zhedrick).  Shortly after the birth of our second son, Perry was stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas and for me school was put on hold, for a long time.  I always knew I’d go back and finish my degree, but with my new responsibilities…it was hard to find the time. 

After the military, I began to re-prioritize “my” goals in order to finish the things “I’d” left undone.  I decided quickly…it was time for me to go back to school and after dwelling briefly over the time I’d wasted, I began to Thank God for the opportunity.  Within four years I’d graduated with my:  Associate of Arts Degree (2003-ANC), Bachelor of Arts in Oral Communication and Theatre Arts, (2004-ASU) Master of Arts in Communication Studies (2005-ASU) and finally my Specialist Degree in Community College Education (2006-ASU).  (Talk about trying to catch up!) 

Upon completing my Specialist Degree, I was offered a position with ASU as an Instructor/Advisor and I must say…I couldn’t have found a better fit.  I guess it just goes to show that hard work really does pay off.

In my spare time I enjoy watching movies, singing, spending time with my family and decorating, and although I am still learning the rules for just about every sport there is, I am quickly becoming the biggest sports fan ever, (can’t help it with my boys).