JACKSON, Tennessee – The Greater Jackson Chamber is proud to announce the 2026 – 2027 Leadership University class. Leadership University is a premier leadership development program that equips high school juniors with the skills, relationships, and experiences needed to become the next generation of community leaders.
Made possible through the support of Union University, Jackson State Community College, The University of Memphis–Lambuth, Jackson Energy Authority, Allen Samuels, MG Construction, Leaders Credit Union, FirstBank, MG Construction and many other supporting sponsors, the free program provides students with hands-on leadership experiences and a deeper understanding of the Jackson-Madison County community.
The class kicked off in July with a Get Acquainted session followed by the annual retreat where participants began building relationships, developing leadership skills, and preparing for the year ahead.
“We’re excited to welcome another outstanding class of young leaders,” said Lauren Saliba, Vice President of Education & Leadership Development at the Greater Jackson Chamber. “Leadership University challenges students to step outside their comfort zones, connect with leaders across our community, and discover the impact they can make both now and in the future. We believe these experiences help shape confident, service-minded leaders who will make a difference wherever they go.”
Throughout the school year, participants will explore topics including education, healthcare, criminal justice, economic development, government, and nonprofit leadership while strengthening skills in communication, collaboration, resilience, and servant leadership.
The mission of Leadership University is to inspire students to lead with integrity, serve their communities, and embrace opportunities to create meaningful change.
The 2026-2027 Leadership University class includes:
- William Allen, Trinity Christian Academy
- Destiny Avila, Jackson Academic STEAM Academy
- Ayden Bailey, Augustine School
- Charlie Berry, University School of Jackson
- Brock Bevis, Augustine School
- Riley Burleson, Madison Academic Magnet High School
- Sydney Cooke, Jackson Christian School
- Emily Davenport, Augustine School
- Addy DePriest, Madison Academic Magnet High School
- Lannah Ferri, Jackson Christian School
- Jack Gahagan, Madison Academic Magnet High School
- Graham Goolsby, University School of Jackson
- Ashley Gray, JCM – Early College High School
- Ava Hayes, University School of Jackson
- Selena Jones, South Side High School
- Liza Laffoon, Madison Academic Magnet High School
- Jacob Lindley, University School of Jackson
- Emily McKenzie, University School of Jackson
- Bryce McNeal, JCM – Early College High School
- Meredith Melton, Jackson Christian School
- Kenzie Moore, Jackson Christian School
- Dimas Orellana, JCM – Early College High School
- Madison Patrick, JCM – Early College High School
- Elinor Rezk, Madison Academic Magnet High School
- Rachel Russ, Trinity Christian Academy
- Claire Russell, University School of Jackson
- Reese Ann Sikes, University School of Jackson
- Jordan Stoker, Jackson Christian School
- Makayla Swift, Jackson Christian School
- Kennedi Taylor, Liberty Technology Magnet High School
- Ellis Thompson, JCM – Early College High School
- Thomas Thornton, Trinity Christian Academy
- Evan Tims, Jackson Christian School
- Andea Torres, North Side High School
- Grayson Upton, Madison Academic Magnet High School
- Zariyah Wilkes, JCM – Early College High School
- Wesley Kate Wilks, University School of Jackson
- Laney Williams, Trinity Christian Academy
For more information about Leadership University please contact Lauren Saliba at the Greater Jackson Chamber, [email protected] or (731) 423-2200.
