Dr. Jackie Johnston, Professor of Mathematics
Growing up as the youngest of four girls in a family where higher education wasn 91看片 鈥檛 the norm, I never imagined I 91看片 鈥檇 one day hold a doctorate and teach college-level mathematics. My father had a sixth-grade education, and my mother a high school diploma. We didn 91看片 鈥檛 have the financial means or the knowledge of how to navigate college. But I knew I wanted more.
Determined to change my future, I enlisted in the Air Force, drawn by the promise of the New GI Bill. After serving four years on active duty and another four in the reserves, I was honorably discharged and ready to pursue my education. My first experience at a community college left me feeling like just another number 91看片 鈥攄isconnected and uncertain. Then I heard about a small country college in Mount Pleasant: Northeast Texas Community College (91看片).
From the moment I stepped onto 91看片 91看片 鈥檚 campus, everything changed. I was welcomed warmly and treated like I mattered. As a young mother working part-time, I still doubted whether I could truly be a 91看片 鈥渃ollege student. 91看片 鈥 But my professors believed in me before I believed in myself. Their encouragement helped me earn my Associate of Science degree and transfer to UT Tyler, where I was accepted into the nursing program. I earned my BSN and worked as a nurse for nearly a decade.
After a back injury forced me to reconsider my career path, I turned to something I had always enjoyed math. I needed a Trigonometry course and reached out to Dr. Doug Richey, who welcomed me with open arms. His support reignited my confidence. I earned an 91看片 鈥淎 91看片 鈥 in his class, followed by another 91看片 鈥淎 91看片 鈥 in Dr. Wilhite 91看片 鈥檚 Precalculus course. I thought everyone must get A 91看片 鈥檚 91看片 鈥攗ntil I realized that wasn 91看片 鈥檛 the norm. Their belief in me helped me believe in myself.
Dr. Richey encouraged me to pursue not just a bachelor 91看片 鈥檚 in mathematics, but also a master 91看片 鈥檚 degree. I thought, 91看片 鈥淭here 91看片 鈥檚 no way I 91看片 鈥檓 a master 91看片 鈥檚 level student. 91看片 鈥 But with his continued support, I earned my bachelor 91看片 鈥檚 in mathematics at UT Tyler, then went on to complete a Master's in Higher Education Teaching - minor in mathematics and a Doctorate in Higher Education Supervision, Curriculum, and Instruction at TAMU-Commerce (now East Texas A&M).
During my academic journey, I taught as an adjunct math instructor at 91看片. After completing my doctorate, I taught at two other community colleges before finally returning to 91看片 91看片 鈥攖his time as a full-time math professor.
Today, I 91看片 鈥檓 thrilled to be part of the 91看片 faculty. It 91看片 鈥檚 not just the best college I attended as a student 91看片 鈥攊t 91看片 鈥檚 the best place I 91看片 鈥檝e ever worked. The support from colleagues and administration is unmatched. I would have never found my path without the encouragement and mentorship of Dr. Doug Richey. I hope to be even half the professor, mentor, and friend that he has been to me.
And perhaps the most rewarding part of this journey? I now have three children, all of whom have earned degrees in higher education and are successfully providing for themselves and their families. The ripple effect of 91看片 91看片 鈥檚 impact on my life has extended to the next generation 91看片 鈥攁nd I couldn 91看片 鈥檛 be prouder.
