Michael Jackson

About Michael Jackson

Michael is a student-centered, servant-leader dedicated to educating and empowering students to achieve their life goals. Driven by his love and respect for student services in higher education, he serves as a strong advocate for students seeking a transformational higher education experience. As an emerging community college leader, Michael is committed to changing lives. At heart, Michael is a counselor. His commitment to student success and equity is demonstrated though the art and science of counseling. Michael has dedicated his career to providing strength based/solution focused counseling services. It is his endeavor to provide professional care and support to students who are considered high risk or disproportionately impacted on Community College campuses. Michael has experience providing intrusive academic advising, coaching, career guidance, mental health assessments, crisis intervention, and individual/group psychotherapy to students and families within a variety of settings.He is a passionate supporter of effective community and student service programs that transform lives. These programs include Disability Services, Veterans Services, EOPS, Umoja, NextUp, and the Rising Scholars program. He is a proud tenured California Community College Counselor. Most recently, Michael is the founder of Sound Mind Christian Counseling & Consulting; a Pastoral Counseling and mental health/life coaching practice, and proud Author of Renewed Insight: A Biblical Perspective on Life and Mental Health.

Experience

1. Umoja Rise up Center Counselor

   Modesto Junior College

   Aug 2025 — Present

   Tenured Counseling faculty member serving within the Rise Up Center, which includes the following programs: Umoja, Rising Scholars, Collaborative, Communidad, Undocually, Sierra Program, and Pride Scholars.This role focuses on facilitating students’ transition to college, fostering a sense of community, and promoting retention and persistence. I have the opportunity to work with programs that support historically underserved and marginalized student populations, including Black, Latino, LGBTQ+, undocumented, Native American, and formerly incarcerated students, as well as students from migrant backgrounds. The Rise Up Center provides targeted resources, culturally relevant support, and pathways to graduation and transfer to four-year universities.I also teach the Umoja Supported College Skills course - Foundations for First Year College Success

Education

• Walden University

  Graduate Certificate, Higher Education Leadership for Student Success

  2016 — 2017

• Brandman University

  M.A. Psychology/MFT, Psychology

  2013 — 2015