Kevin Jackson's laser focus is what has enabled him to earn two degrees —and likely a third in spring 2023 —from the University of North Georgia (UNG) and ranks within the U.S. Army.
The Sylvester, Georgia, native anticipates graduating with his Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in family nurse practitioner in May 2023. He earned his associate degree in nursing in 2013 and added a Bachelor of Science in Nursing after commissioning the following year.
"I just keep coming back to the mountains. When I moved back up here, I told everyone I felt like the mountains were calling me back," Jackson said.
He plans to get his Doctor of Nursing Practice next, encouraged by a family-friendly competition.
"I have a niece that I think will become a medical doctor, so I have to get my degree before she does," Jackson said with a smile.
The seed of nursing was planted in his mind as a high school junior in his JROTC program.
"I remember it clearly. I wanted to choose something that I could do in the Army and do in the civilian world," Jackson said. "Nursing was just that, and it had had meaning to it. I really wanted something that would give me meaning to life."
The Army reservist has held numerous leadership roles both in medical facilities and on missions. He relies on his ability to remain respectful when dealing with challenges.
"I've been able to use a democratic leadership style with people I work for and with," Jackson said. "But unless you're trying to do compressions on someone's chest, there aren't many reasons in the civilian world where an authoritarian leadership style is absolutely necessary."
Jackson said he likes to hear others' opinions because of the insight he gets into how they view situations, adding that the decisions he makes may affect them.
"I need to know what they're seeing," he said. "A democratic leadership style also allowed me to gain the respect of others because it shows I value their opinion, and they played an integral part in the decisions that were made."
Retired Col. Tom Palmer, former UNG commandant of cadets; Gen. Colin Powell; Command Sgt. Maj. Russ Beard, his high school JROTC instructor; and, Laura Stevens, one of Jackson's first UNG nursing professors, are the main influences on his leadership abilities.
"When I think of what kind of nurse I strive to be every day, I try to emulate her positive attitude and supportive leadership," Jackson said.
"What really defines us as a leader is our ability to adapt and overcome, to roll with the punches," Jackson said. "If you want to be a good leader, you must first be a good follower, and then you must learn how to make the best out of every opportunity. A good leader does not just stop because they hit a roadblock or they're told no. They have to have that determination to move forward."
