Courtesy of JSCC
Jackson, Tenn. – The Jackson State Community College family is grieving the loss of its fifth president, Dr. Allana Hamilton. Dr. Hamilton passed away Tuesday, February 23, at the age of 55, according to a Wednesday night news release from the college. She had suffered a major stroke in October and extensive cancer was discovered shortly afterward.
Hamilton leaves behind an indelible legacy over her three decades at TBR – first at Northeast State Community College where she rose from the biology faculty to Chief Academic Officer, then as President at Jackson State Community College, and since October 2019, as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the TBR system office.
“Her professionalism, knowledge, sweetness, and collegiality were genuine and ever-present and she shared them liberally with all who knew her,” said TBR Chancellor Flora Tydings. “Every word, every action, and every day of her life was filled with joy for her work, her colleagues, her family, and her students.”
Former colleagues at Jackson State have spent time reflecting on the impact Hamilton had on the faculty and staff at the college and the many people in the community she worked with in the nearly three years she led JSCC. While arrangements are still incomplete, the faculty and staff of the college are planning ways to honor and memorialize Hamilton sometime in the near future. A memorial scholarship is also being established in her honor.