McLennan Community College Hires New Workforce Dean
The appointment could align local vocational training programs with state workforce standards for Waco employers.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
McLennan Community College has appointed Tina Jackson as the new dean of workforce education and public service. This leadership shift aims to bolster the regional institution's focus on workforce development through academic administration.
Why it matters
The appointment brings extensive state-level oversight experience to local workforce training initiatives. For area operators, having a dean with a background in state higher education coordinating boards suggests a focus on aligning curricula with regional employment trends and state-level labor requirements.
Tina Jackson joins the college after serving for 6 years in a state agency role, while Lawrence University's new dean, Dennis J. Perkins Jr., brings 20 years of total professional experience to his institution. The scale of impact remains dependent on upcoming curriculum alignment goals.
The players
Tina Jackson
The newly appointed dean of workforce education and public service at McLennan Community College who previously served as assistant commissioner of workforce education at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
McLennan Community College
A higher education institution in Waco that provides vocational and academic training programs for the local workforce.
Dennis J. Perkins Jr.
The new dean of students at Lawrence University who possesses 20 years of professional experience in higher education management.
The details
Tina Jackson transitions to her new role at McLennan Community College after serving as the assistant commissioner of workforce education at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In her new capacity, she will oversee the workforce education and public service programs, leveraging her background in educational administration and state-level policy. This appointment reflects an effort to tighten the connection between community college certifications and broader labor market demands across the state.
Timeline
Tina Jackson previously served at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for six years.
Market Landscape
This appointment follows a regional trend of community colleges recruiting leadership directly from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This strategy aligns local vocational programs with established state-level workforce standards to improve student placement metrics.
Operators in the Waco area should monitor whether the new administration initiates partnerships or certificate programs aligned with current state workforce priorities. Engaging with the dean's office regarding local skill gaps can help businesses influence vocational training outcomes.
The takeaway
The move signals a heightened focus on state-aligned workforce certification at McLennan Community College. Business owners should track future announcements regarding department goals to identify potential pipelines for local talent recruitment.
Further reading
For more on shifts in local professional leadership, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education.
