Brooke Jankowsky doesn’t just understand the transfer student journey; she’s helping to redefine it.

After earning four associate degrees at Macomb, Brooke transferred to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) on a full merit scholarship. She graduated this spring, earning multiple bachelor’s degrees in management and marketing, with minors in entrepreneurship and English.

Brooke said much of her success at Ole Miss was due to the preparation she had at Macomb.

“I think community college students are some of the most motivated, hardworking individuals,” she said.

Community college provided surprising opportunities

Brooke graduated high school in 2020 and decided to attend Macomb at the suggestion of her mom, who is a Macomb alumna.

“I’ll admit, I wasn’t thrilled about going to Macomb at first, but once I got on campus and got involved, I knew I was at the right place,” she said.

While at Macomb, Brooke was involved with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, where she began exploring an issue close to her heart: the stigma surrounding community colleges.

Her research project challenged the misconception that community colleges are “less than” or a last resort.

“That perception is false,” she said. “Community colleges are places of opportunity, access and mobility. Students come from every background and bring incredible potential.”

Her work gained national attention, leading to a presentation in New York at the Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Congress. That experience inspired her to run for an international leadership position within Phi Theta Kappa, further amplifying her platform of advocacy.

A community college champion finds success on a bigger campus

While at Ole Miss, Brooke was tasked with researching and writing an honors thesis. She decided to expand on the topic even further by examining the challenges transfer students face even after arriving at four-year institutions.

“The stigma doesn’t disappear,” Brooke said. “Transfer students still encounter academic and social barriers. But with the right support, they can thrive.”

Just like at Macomb, at Ole Miss, Brooke has made the most of every opportunity. Along with her challenging course load, she was involved with 18 student organizations.

She even took the unusual step of rushing Greek life as a senior, proof, she said, of her determination to try new experiences regardless of expectations.

Her hard work culminated in one of Ole Miss’s highest honors: the Marcus Elvis Taylor Memorial Medal, awarded to just 0.5%–1% of students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and significant contributions to their field.

“I am incredibly proud of my time at Ole Miss, and I enjoyed that experience so much,” she said.

Now that she’s earned her bachelor’s degrees, Brooke would like to market authors and their work – a field that combines her love of reading with business.

However, Brooke’s goals extend beyond the publishing world. She plans to pursue a doctorate in higher education and eventually teach business, ideally at a community college. She also aspires to become a college administrator, and one day, a president.

“As much as I enjoyed my time at Ole Miss, I’d love to come back to Macomb,” she said. “I’d love to bring my real-world working experience into the classroom.”

Coming back to her roots at Macomb

It’s not surprising the Brooke would like to come back to Macomb, as she’d be following in the footsteps of several family members.

Her mother, Heather Jankowsky, is a Macomb alumna who still uses the skills she gained in the college’s business management program.

Her grandparents also worked at Macomb, and her sister Megan recently served as Macombers president and is pursuing multiple associate degrees herself.

“Macomb believed in me from day one,” Brooke said. “Even before I was a student, through various camps and other things that I had attended. I’ve always felt at home at Macomb.”

To learn more about the transfer opportunities available at Macomb, please visit our transfer webpage.