McLennan Community College Names New Dean

Tina Jackson joins the college to lead workforce education and public service initiatives.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People

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McLennan Community College in Waco has appointed Tina Jackson, formerly of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, as its new workforce education dean. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

McLennan Community College in Waco has appointed Tina Jackson as the new dean of workforce education and public service. The role follows her six-year tenure at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Why it matters

The appointment brings experienced leadership to the local community college to oversee its workforce development and public service programs. Jackson's background in state-level higher education policy is expected to influence the college's strategic direction.

Tina Jackson served in her previous assistant commissioner role for 6 years. She holds a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

The players

Tina Jackson

The new dean of workforce education and public service at McLennan Community College previously served as an assistant commissioner for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The details

Jackson transitions to the Waco campus after a significant career in state workforce education oversight. Her expertise in administration will support the college's focus on aligning academic training with the needs of the workforce.

Timeline

  1. Tina Jackson served at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for the past six years.

Market Landscape

This appointment aligns with a broader trend of community colleges recruiting leaders from state regulatory bodies to bridge gaps in vocational training. By hiring from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the college strengthens its position within the competitive higher education landscape.

Students and prospective workforce education trainees in Waco may see updates to program offerings as the new dean settles into her administrative role. The hiring aims to enhance the quality and relevance of training provided to the local community.

The takeaway

The appointment emphasizes the importance of administrative experience in managing complex academic and vocational departments. Prospective students should review updated course catalogs to see how new leadership priorities may shift educational offerings.

Further reading

For more updates on leadership transitions in the region, visit People.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education.