By S.A. Umberger

For The Observer

Jacqueline Collinsworth, history instructor at Northwest Mississippi Community College, will soon become the first instructor at Northwest to offer a 7 a.m. class for students who want to get an early jump-start to their day.

“I am very pleased that Dr. Bateman has given me this opportunity to teach a 7 a.m. class,” said Collingsworth, who is a self-proclaimed morning person.

According to Collinsworth, she decided to volunteer to start the early class to give students an opportunity to get in an extra class, especially for students who take classes only three days a week.

Collinsworth has taught at Northwest since 1974.

“Mrs. Collinsworth is indeed unique,” said Dr. Marilyn Bateman, academic dean. “She loves each and every class and is interested in every student. Teaching is her passion. Her personality is winsome, and students learn to love her as much as she loves them.”

Collinsworth grew up in Horn Lake. She explained how she was very fortunate to have parents who saw to it that she had a proper education. They paid for her college expenses.

She received her associate degree at Northwest Junior College and then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree at the University of Mississippi. She later attended the University of Memphis where she earned her master’s degree. From there, she began her teaching career at Northwest.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher,” said Collinsworth.

Her students are glad she chose education.

“Mrs. Collinsworth is a very exciting teacher to have,” said Marlena Jarjoura, general education major from Senatobia. “There’s never a dull moment in her classes.”

“Mrs. Collinsworth is one of the most vivacious teachers I’ve ever had,” said Jessica Percy, secondary education major. “I love how she tells us at the end of each class, ‘I’ll see you cats bright-eyed and bushy-tailed next class!’”

“We are so lucky to have someone like Jackie be a part of our faculty,” said Nancy Patterson, director of Public Relations. “She not only excels in the classroom, but she is a true college supporter. You will find her at most college activities, especially ballgames. She’s our No. 1 cheerleader.”

Collinsworth lives with her husband, Emmett. She is a cat person who loves to read, garden and spend time with her family on weekends.