Dr. Jackie Johnston, Professor of Mathematics
Growing up as the youngest of four girls in a family where higher education wasn’t the norm, I never imagined I’d one day hold a doctorate and teach college-level mathematics. My father had a sixth-grade education, and my mother a high school diploma. We didn’t have the financial means or the knowledge of how to navigate college. But I knew I wanted more.
Determined to change my future, I enlisted in the Air Force, drawn by the promise of the New GI Bill. After serving four years on active duty and another four in the reserves, I was honorably discharged and ready to pursue my education. My first experience at a community college left me feeling like just another number—disconnected and uncertain. Then I heard about a small country college in Mount Pleasant: Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC).
From the moment I stepped onto NTCC’s campus, everything changed. I was welcomed warmly and treated like I mattered. As a young mother working part-time, I still doubted whether I could truly be a “college student.” But my professors believed in me before I believed in myself. Their encouragement helped me earn my Associate of Science degree and transfer to UT Tyler, where I was accepted into the nursing program. I earned my BSN and worked as a nurse for nearly a decade.
After a back injury forced me to reconsider my career path, I turned to something I had always enjoyed math. I needed a Trigonometry course and reached out to Dr. Doug Richey, who welcomed me with open arms. His support reignited my confidence. I earned an “A” in his class, followed by another “A” in Dr. Wilhite’s Precalculus course. I thought everyone must get A’s—until I realized that wasn’t the norm. Their belief in me helped me believe in myself.
Dr. Richey encouraged me to pursue not just a bachelor’s in mathematics, but also a master’s degree. I thought, “There’s no way I’m a master’s level student.” But with his continued support, I earned my bachelor’s in mathematics at UT Tyler, then went on to complete a Master's in Higher Education Teaching - minor in mathematics and a Doctorate in Higher Education Supervision, Curriculum, and Instruction at TAMU-Commerce (now East Texas A&M).
During my academic journey, I taught as an adjunct math instructor at NTCC. After completing my doctorate, I taught at two other community colleges before finally returning to NTCC—this time as a full-time math professor.
Today, I’m thrilled to be part of the NTCC faculty. It’s not just the best college I attended as a student—it’s the best place I’ve ever worked. The support from colleagues and administration is unmatched. I would have never found my path without the encouragement and mentorship of Dr. Doug Richey. I hope to be even half the professor, mentor, and friend that he has been to me.
And perhaps the most rewarding part of this journey? I now have three children, all of whom have earned degrees in higher education and are successfully providing for themselves and their families. The ripple effect of NTCC’s impact on my life has extended to the next generation—and I couldn’t be prouder.
