Philip E. Hoffman
Trustee
(2004/2022)
Philip Hoffman was elected to the Jackson College Board of Trustees in 2004, 2010, 2016 and again in 2022. He was a small business owner and former elected legislator for the State of Michigan. He graduated from Lumen Christi High School and earned an associate degree majoring in law enforcement from Jackson College and a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Ferris State University.
Mr. Hoffman founded and operated Hoffman Legislative Consultants from 2003 until merging his company with Quadrant Consulting Group in 2018. He served as a Michigan Senator from 1993-2003, was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1983-1993 and was a deputy sheriff with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department from 1974-1983.
In the community, he was Chairman of both the Land O’ Lakes and Great Sauk Trail of the Boy Scouts of America and chaired the campaign to save Camp Teetankah. He formerly served as President of the Jackson College Alumni Association and was a member of the Jackson College Foundation and also received the “Distinguished Service Award” from Jackson College. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors at American 1 Credit Union, Vice Chairman of the Beaver Island Boat Company, member of the Board of Trustees of the Michigan Legislative Retirement System and a member of the Board of the Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund.
Mr. Hoffman and his wife Dennise have three grown sons and five grandchildren.
Why did you decide to become a Jackson College Board of Trustee?
I ran for the Board because I felt that the high cost of a college education was becoming less affordable for most people living and working in Jackson County. So, my aim was to lessen that burden by keeping Jackson College tuition and fees as affordable as I possibly could.
What do you enjoy most about serving as a Jackson College Board of Trustee?
From where I sit on the Board I get a chance to put into motion long range goals for Jackson College that will ensure Jackson area students get a chance to obtain an Bachelors, Associates or Certificate that will help them achieve their life’s mission.
From your perspective, in what ways do you see Jackson College serving the community?
We are a full service institution of higher education right here at home. We’ll train you in a variety of fields and get you credentialed so you can be immediately employable. JC also offers Bachelor and Associate degrees to prepare students to transfer on to the colleges and universities of their choice, all while living and saving at home.
How has your experience with Jackson College impacted your life?
JC has impacted my life by making me more aware of the struggles families and students have had to endure to get a Jackson College education. While their stories different their themes are the same, JC gave them a chance to make something of themselves. JC is an instrument of hope, something I am proud to be part of.
What is one message you would offer to Jackson College students and/or the community?
My message to anyone who reads this and wants to go to JC is simple, give us the opportunity to help educate you and you will achieve things you only dreamed of.