
Dr. Jackie Johnston, Professor of Mathematics
Growing up as the youngest of four girls in a family where higher education wasn鈥檛 the norm, I never imagined I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鈥攄isconnected and uncertain. Then I heard about a small country college in Mount Pleasant: 草榴社区 (NTCC).
From the moment I stepped onto NTCC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 鈥渃ollege student.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 鈥淎鈥 in his class, followed by another 鈥淎鈥 in Dr. Wilhite鈥檚 Precalculus course. I thought everyone must get A鈥檚鈥攗ntil I realized that wasn鈥檛 the norm. Their belief in me helped me believe in myself.
Dr. Richey encouraged me to pursue not just a bachelor鈥檚 in mathematics, but also a master鈥檚 degree. I thought, 鈥淭here鈥檚 no way I鈥檓 a master鈥檚 level student.鈥 But with his continued support, I earned my bachelor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 NTCC. After completing my doctorate, I taught at two other community colleges before finally returning to NTCC鈥攖his time as a full-time math professor.
Today, I鈥檓 thrilled to be part of the NTCC faculty. It鈥檚 not just the best college I attended as a student鈥攊t鈥檚 the best place I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 NTCC鈥檚 impact on my life has extended to the next generation鈥攁nd I couldn鈥檛 be prouder.