Gann begins tenure as VPSS at JSCC

Jun 30th, 2016

Beginning June 27, the office of vice president for student services (VPSS) was filled by Alabama native Brian Gann. Gann comes to Jackson State Community College with work history rich in a variety of administrative positions in higher education.

Mr. Gann most recently filled the position of Director of Recruitment, Retention, and Student Success at Calhoun Community College in Decatur and Huntsville, Alabama. He readily professes his connection to community colleges and the role they play in the lives of students and in lives of the communities they serve.

"I am a proud graduate of a community college and a first-generation college student," he states. "I can readily attest that I would not be who I am today without my community college experience."

Dr. Bruce Blanding, JSCC president, enthusiastically welcomes Gann into the VPSS role. "The leadership role for student services has been in a transitory state for many months. The addition of Mr. Gann will add much needed stability and leadership in this crucial role of serving our students," states Blanding.

Mr. Gann received an associate of arts in liberal arts from Bevill State Community College in Fayette, Alabama, and a bachelor of arts in communication and a master of arts in higher education administration from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Since that time, he has spent his career in a number of roles in service to community colleges.

Gann has held leadership positions in a number of areas including continuing education, institutional advancement, human resources, grants, campus management and student services. "Having such a broad range of experience from student to administrator in the community college setting should prove very beneficial," said Blanding. "Brian truly understands, embraces, and lives the mission of community colleges."

"I am lucky to have spent 14 years in community college work, and I have learned from a number of great people," said Gann. "I feel I have a great mix of experiences that have brought me to this place."

When asked about the most immediate challenges he sees in the next few months, Gann stated, "...the biggest challenge is coming to a new college, a new state system, and getting up to speed on all the good work that is going on at Jackson State and in Tennessee." He continued, "...I will be working hard to understand the ins and outs of the many initiatives and trying to determine how we can maximize opportunities for our students."

The VPSS is a chief officer with the responsibility for ensuring that all student support services are highly effective and successful. Student Services includes admissions, registration, recruitment, student organizations, and a host of other services that promote student engagement and enable academic achievement.



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