From Jackson State Community College –
Our hearts were broken yesterday when we heard the news about the passing of our dear and precious friend, Dr. Allana Hamilton. Yes, she was the fifth president of Jackson State, but she came to embody so much more than being the figurehead of the college.
She came to us at a tumultuous time and renewed faith in ourselves as an institution by investing her heart and soul in JSCC. She immediately embraced the leadership role as a bright-shining beacon for the college, and she instantly became a community favorite by allowing herself to be thrust into an unnatural public spotlight. Whenever it was physically possible, she always embraced an opportunity to represent and promote the college in the media and through civic engagement.
She was a leader with a servant’s heart. One of the favorite photos of Dr. Hamilton was taken on the rainy first day of class for the fall semester in 2017. It showed her holding an umbrella for a student and walking her across the quad. This image is the epitome of who Lana was.
She was fully engaged in conversation with the student, exuding joy, and demonstrating a genuine and authentic love for people. There was no one else around at that moment (the photo was taken from across the quad). But, even if they had been in a crowd, this student would have been the sole focus of Lana’s attention.
While details are incomplete at this point, a memorial scholarship for Dr. Hamilton will be established for those who would like to honor her memory and contributions to Jackson State and its students.
(PHOTO: Dr. Allana Hamilton, former president Jackson State Community College, is pictured at left, with a student)
