For Ethan Jackson, Trinity Valley Community College has always been a part of his story.  

As a child growing up in Athens, Jackson lived near the college and often passed by the campus on his way to Kiwanis Park, marveled by the thought of having a college right in his hometown. 

Jackson’s own journey at TVCC began in the fall of 2008 when he enrolled as a student. That same semester, he started working as a part-time teller at VeraBank, while also holding a morning job delivering parts for Athens Automotive, all to help pay for his college. Balancing two jobs and a full course load was tough, but Jackson saw higher education as his path to a better future. 

“I didn’t want to keep working 60-hour weeks across multiple jobs,” Jackson shared. “I knew college was my way out of that cycle.” 

Initially pursuing an engineering degree, his education took an unexpected turn. After earning three consecutive promotions at VeraBank in a short time, he switched his focus to business management.  

“It felt like a sign that this was where I was meant to be,” he recalled. 

Jackson earned two degrees at TVCC: an Associate of Arts in 2011 and an Associate of Applied Science in Management in 2012. His time at the college wasn’t just about academics—it was a time of personal growth. Having been homeschooled, Jackson found the support and encouragement from TVCC faculty transformative. Jackson shared that the faculty were dedicated to investing their time and resources to ensure student success. 

“It meant a lot because I didn’t do anything to earn it,” Jackson expressed. “Betty Woodard, Amy Rogers, and Dorothy Hines were teachers that I still think about today and what a significant impact they made in my life. They supported my journey and taught me how things worked in and out of the classroom — the real world.” 

Beyond his coursework, Jackson was active in the Baptist Student Ministry (BSM), attending Bible studies that strengthened his sense of community. 

Jackson’s hard work and determination paid off in his career. Starting as a part-time teller in 2008, he rose to become a vice president at VeraBank, a role he held until 2024. That year marked a new chapter as he joined Edward Jones as an Associate Financial Advisor and returned to TVCC to lead the Foundation Board as the president.  

“I wanted to give back to TVCC, an organization that invested in me without expecting anything in return,” he shared. “The example the faculty set—caring for me as a stranger—showed me how powerful it is to invest in others.” 

Jackson is excited to lead the Foundation as it continues to provide scholarships and opportunities for TVCC students. He envisions an active board that works to ensure as many students as possible can pursue their educational goals. 

Looking forward to December’s graduation ceremony, Jackson reflected on his own graduation days. 

 “I remember my teachers being there, cheering me on,” he said. “It was the culmination of all my hard work and having them celebrate with me meant the world.” 

From walking past the campus as a child to walking its halls as a student, and now serving as the Foundation president, Jackson’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education and community.  

His journey has come full circle, and he’s determined to help future students write their own success stories at TVCC.