Sheila A. Patterson
Vice-Chairperson
(2007/2020)
Sheila Patterson has worked for Consumers Energy since January 2002. A 1987 graduate of Lumen Christi High School in Jackson, MI, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Spring Arbor College in 1993 and a Master’s degree in Business Administration in 2001 from Spring Arbor University. Ms. Patterson currently works in Business Services Performance Management.
Committed to her community, Ms. Patterson has been a Trustee at Jackson College since 2008. She has been appointed to the City of Jackson’s Civil Service Commission since 2006. She is a member of the CMS Club of Consumers Energy and NAACP. She has been a member of the Michigan Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy since 2002. She served on the National Scholarship Committee and has acted as the Mid-west Regional Coordinator through August 2015. She served as the local chapters Vice President from 2008- 2014 and the Chair of the Scholarship Committee from 2006 – 2014.
She previously served on Jackson Public School Board from 2004-2012 and was the board President in 2012. She has served on the Salvation Army, Family Services and Children’s Aid and City of Jacksons’ Parks and Recreation Board.
She was recently honored with the 2016 Spring Arbor University Professional Excellence Alumni Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their profession and community. In 2015, she was the keynote speaker for Spring Arbor University’s Commencement for graduate programs. She was the recipient of Jackson College’s 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service Award. She received a community service award in 2009 from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club/Jackson Chapter and received a Prism Award for exemplary diversity achievements from Consumers Energy in 2005. She was a Young Careerist Nominee from the Jackson Business & Professional Women’s Organization in 2004.
Ms. Patterson is a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, friends and her dog Miles, and enjoys traveling.
Why did you decide to become a Jackson College Trustee?
That I can give back to my community but hopefully have a bigger impact on a least one student’s life and be a role model to many.
What do you enjoy most about serving as a Jackson College Trustee?
Being able to be connected and influence the path and lives of others. Our mission is to “inspire and transforms lives” and hopefully I’m doing that.
From your perspective, in what ways do you see Jackson College serving the community?
By providing educational opportunities for those who might not otherwise have them. And, allowing students to feel comfortable enough to take the first step on campus to their road to success.
How has your experience with Jackson College impacted your life?
I’ve seen lives transformed. I remember a young man that entered on campus with a 4th grade reading level. Now with his bachelor’s degree, he works at the college. I remember one young man who was incarcerated and entered in the automotive program after his release. He wished he had direction earlier in his life. This program gave him a sense of accomplishment when he received his diploma and now a new career. There are many success stories like this that warm my heart and why I do what I do.
What is one message you would offer to Jackson College students and/or the community?
At Jackson College we are changing lives! Join the journey!