Jackson State unveils Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer role

Jackson State unveils Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Role
Appoints Darlette Samuels to inaugural role

JACKSON, TENN. – Following sustained growth the last two consecutive years, Jackson State Community College (JSCC) has added to its ranks a Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer (CSIO) to reinforce the forward momentum of the college. This role was developed to assist in the forecasting of trending opportunities, support the procurement and reinforcement of partnerships, and to develop initiatives that drive student success while supporting the economic vitality of West Tennessee.

In the fall of 2024, JSCC set enrollment records across the state, boasting the highest first-time freshman and total enrollment percentage increases of any public college or university in Tennessee. Since then, the college has continued to see double-digit growth across many sectors, and the addition of the CSIO role will focus on keeping the College’s long and short-term vision at the forefront while navigating continued future growth.

“Jackson State has experienced a lot of success over the past two years,” said Dr. Carol A. Rothstein, President of Jackson State Community College. “While this is cause for celebration, it is also a pivotal moment for us to look toward the future and think strategically about innovation, long-term growth, and sustainability so that we are the best we can be for our students and the West Tennessee Community. As we embark on the creation of a new strategic plan to chart our future success, I felt that this was the perfect moment to implement this new role.”

Darlette Samuels, a respected higher education leader with more than three decades of experience in advancement, fundraising, and community engagement, has been selected to serve as the College’s inaugural Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. In this role, Samuels will serve as a strategic advisor to the president, reinforcing initiatives to foster and support innovation on campus, cultivate strategic external partnerships, assist with capital campaigns and athletics fundraising, as well as stay abreast of emerging trends in higher education and workforce development to help shape proactive institutional strategies.

Samuels has dedicated her career to advancing opportunities for students and strengthening the institutions that serve them. At Lane College, she held multiple leadership roles—including Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Chief of Staff—where she played a key role in securing significant philanthropic support for the institution, cultivated alumni and corporate partnerships, and helped position the college as a trusted community partner. Her work demonstrates the kind of innovative leadership JSCC envisions for this new role.

“Darlette Samuels is uniquely equipped to lead our innovation agenda. Her knowledge, experience, and expertise within the greater West Tennessee community will help us reach the next level,” said Dr. Rothstein. “The creation of this position reflects our commitment to meeting today’s challenges and preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. Darlette’s expertise in building relationships and creating strategies that serve both students, and the wider community will be essential as we chart the College’s future.”

Her influence extends well beyond campus. Samuels serves on the boards of the Greater Jackson Chamber, Jackson Energy Authority, and the Community Foundation of West Tennessee, and has lent her leadership to the Jackson Symphony, Jackson Arts Council, and numerous civic initiatives. Her deep ties to the region ensure that JSCC’s innovation and strategy efforts will remain firmly connected to community needs and priorities.

Her impact has also been recognized with honors, being named one of the 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee at the 2017 Sterling Awards and was recognized as an Influential Woman in Jackson by the Jackson Mayor Scott Conger in 2020—testaments to her ability to influence positive change.

Echoing her community impact throughout West Tennessee, Frank McMeen, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of West Tennessee said, “Few people embody the spirit of Jackson and West Tennessee like Darlette Samuels. She has spent her career building bridges between education, business, and the community. Jackson State is a powerful driver for educational opportunity in our region and I’m not only excited to see Darlette join their team, but I applaud Jackson State for recognizing and capturing such a talent.”

Samuels holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oklahoma in Journalism, a Master of Professional Studies from the University of Memphis in Human Resources Leadership and will graduate with her Doctor of Education at Union University in Higher Education Leadership in December 2025 to further strengthen her ability to guide strategic growth within her new role.

Reflecting on her appointment, Samuels said: “This role represents Jackson State’s vision for the future. Our students, our workforce, and our community deserve innovative solutions that expand educational opportunities and strengthen West Tennessee. I am honored to help lead this effort and to continue serving the place I call home.”

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