Dec 14th, 2015
Jackson State's Kristine Nakutis was one of 30 local business professionals that graduated from the Jackson Chamber's Leadership Jackson. The group was honored Thursday, December 10 at a special banquet at Union University's Carl Grant Events Center.
The Leadership Jackson program was created by the Chamber 37 years ago. It was designed as a way for business professionals to better understand the way local government works and to be better engaged and connected in the community. The program lasts for 3 months and gives participants an opportunity to build relationships with others in the cohort as well as meeting a host of other key stakeholders in the community.
Nakutis has held the position of veterans affairs coordinator at JSCC since January. Kris has served as an adjunct at JSCC for the past few years in developmental writing and Philosophy. She obtained her B.A. in Political Science from Marist College in New York and her M.A. in Philosophy from University of Massachusetts.
Prior to teaching as an adjunct faculty member at JSCC, Nakutis worked at the Milan Army Ammunition Plant, where she served as the Military Commander. She brings extensive leadership and management skills from her 20 years of various military leadership positions, along with her prior experience in higher education to her new role.
In the U.S. Army, Nakutis attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She held a number of leadership roles while in the military. Several years were spent as an Assistant Professor of English at West Point Military Academy.
Acknowledging her contributions and service, Dr. Bruce Blanding states, "Everyone at Jackson State is proud of the leadership that Kristine is providing for our veterans and we are especially proud of her successful completion of the Leadership Jackson program. We are fortunate to have Colonel Nakutis on our staff as the coordinator of veterans affairs."