Jackson College Announces Tom McMillen-Oakley Outstanding Faculty Award Winner

(May 2, 2020 10:53 AM) Each year, Jackson College recognizes the importance of its employees with annual employee awards. Presented virtually this year, Jackson College congratulates the winner of the 2020 J. Ward Preston Outstanding Faculty Award, Tom McMillen-Oakley.

Tom McMillen-Oakley has taught at Jackson College since 2000, and prior to that taught studio art at Columbia School District where he created a districtwide K-12 visual arts curriculum. At Jackson College he has taught studio art courses such as drawing, painting, two-dimensional design, ceramics and sculpture, as well as art history. He’s also been involved in curriculum design, mentoring students and helping them create portfolios to apply to four-year institutions, and currently serves as department chair for Language, Literature and Arts.

“I love my students, and I love being a teacher. I am so sad to be away from them now, as many of them thrive in the studio setting. Online is awesome, but it’s not the same,” he said. “It’s been a journey these past few years taking on the role of chair, but I have a great department that is supportive and a lot of fun to work with. I truly couldn’t have done this without them. I am both honored and humbled at the same time.”

In 2005, he received Higher Education Art Teacher of Year honors from the Michigan Art Education Association. In additional to his educational career, he has consistently participated in solo and group exhibitions.

McMillen-Oakley grew up in Toledo, Ohio and attended the University of Toledo and the School of Design at the Toledo Museum of Art for a degree in Art Education. He is married to husband, Tod, and they have two children.