Greater Jackson Chamber announces 2025-2026 Leadership University Class participants
Greater Jackson Chamber Announces 2025-2026 Leadership University Class Participants
JACKSON, TENN., July 16, 2025 – The Greater Jackson Chamber is pleased to announce the selected participants for its 2025-2026 Leadership University class, a leadership development program for high school juniors in Jackson-Madison County.
The goal of Leadership University is to give students a broad understanding of the inner workings of Jackson-Madison County, while helping them reflect on how they can contribute to positive change—not only within their schools, but also throughout the greater community.
The new class kicked off their Leadership University journey with an information session in mid-July led by Leadership University Chair Ryan Blake of West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex and Vice Chair Amanda Kimery of Jackson Energy Authority. Later in the month, students will attend an Opening Retreat at Camp Mack Morris in Camden, TN, where they will dive into team-building and leadership development activities that set the foundation for the year.
“We are excited to welcome our new participants to Leadership University,” says Lauren Saliba, Greater Jackson Chamber vice president of education and leadership development. “This year’s group is full of talented and motivated young leaders. Leadership University provides students with meaningful insights into Jackson and offers experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have. They’ll develop lifelong friendships and build leadership skills that will empower their future. Our dedicated board works hard to ensure it’s a truly impactful experience.”
Throughout the school year, class members will meet monthly to participate in sessions focused on critical community topics such as healthcare, criminal justice, economic development, education, and government. Each session includes a leadership skill-building component, and students will hear directly from professionals in these fields who will share current realities, challenges, and visions for the future.
Sponsored by the Greater Jackson Chamber, Union University, Jackson State Community College, The University of Memphis – Lambuth, Jackson Energy Authority, Leaders Credit Union, FirstBank, MG Construction, Alan Brown State Farm, and The Bank of Jackson.
The 2025-2026 Leadership University class includes:
Aubry Adams, Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
Lola Agbetoyin, University School of Jackson
Karman Ayala, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Ki’Mora Carroll, JCM – Early College High School
Ben Cates, Jackson Christian School
Hunt Clark, Jackson Christian School
Zandria Cohill, South Side High School
Tucker Davenport, Augustine School
Xavier Davis, South Side High School
Bailee Farmer, Trinity Christian School
Mary Blake Ferguson, University School of Jackson
Eli Freeman, University School of Jackson
Mattie Garrison, Jackson Christian School
Lola Greenway, Madison Academic High School
Isabella Hampton, North Side High School
Cadye Hayes, South Side High School
Lake Helton, Trinity Christian Academy
Zakeria Holmes, Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
Kailyn Hudson, Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
Kimora Hurt, JCM – Early College High School
Addyson Kirkland, University School of Jackson
Emma Long, Jackson Christian School
Nora Manley, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Aarna Mehta, University School of Jackson
Trice Mullens, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Mason Murchison, South Side High School
Joshua O’Neal, University School of Jackson
Parks Patrick, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Katie Peachey, JCM – Early College High School
Claire Pratt, Homelife Academy
Isabella Reid, Jackson Christian School
Willow Ross, Madison Academic Magnet High School
Grant Schiebout, Augustine School
Brianna Smith, Trinity Christian Academy
Hope Steverson, JCM – Early College High School
Graham Straka, Augustine School
Lilly Teague, University School of Jackson
Jesse Via, University School of Jackson
Carter Washington, JCM – Early College High School
Abbey Wilson, Madison Academic Magnet High School
About Leadership University:
Leadership University is a youth leadership development program for Jackson-Madison County and is made up of a diverse group of high school juniors who demonstrate leadership potential. Started in 1999 as a team class project of Leadership Jackson, LU prepares participants to become responsible, ethical leaders who make a positive difference in others and their community by creating awareness in all aspects of the community.
About the Greater Jackson Chamber:
The Greater Jackson Chamber was founded in 1905 – seven years prior to the United States Chamber of Commerce. The chamber consists of a diverse and talented staff, an executive committee, dedicated volunteers, and more than 1,000 business members – all committed to growing the economy and quality of life for everyone in Madison County and the region.
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