Residents of Decatur County and the surrounding area will soon have the opportunity to earn college credits and degrees at the UTM Parsons Center.

Jason Rushing, a Decatur county native and UTM graduate, will serve as the center’s first director.

The UTM Parsons Center is the fourth UTM extended campus location, and construction of the facility is scheduled to be completed by fall 2008. In the interim, UTM will begin offering classes in Parsons in January 2007 to build a student base for the center.

“It is indeed an honor to have been selected as the director of the UT Martin Parsons Center. I have always had a strong interest in the field of higher education and feel that the position in Parsons will not only allow me to work with the wonderful faculty, staff and students at UT Martin, but also will be an opportunity to provide a service to my community,” Rushing said.

“A well-educated population is a key to the growth and success of any region, and I look forward to working with UT Martin’s Office of Extended Campus and Continuing Education, area community leaders and others in and around the region to make the center a success,” he said.

Rushing completed a Bachelor of Science in Education at UTM in May 2004, as well as earning a certification in history and government and taking additional courses in accounting, finance and economics. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Union University in August 2006.

Before taking the position as the director of the UTM Parsons Center, Rushing worked as a loan officer and member service representative at the Leaders Credit Union, as well as a financial representative for American General Financial Services Inc. His work history also includes the position of UTM chancellor’s staff assistant.

Rushing has a background of leadership experience, having served on the Weakley County Red Cross board of directors, completed sales and service strategies training at the Leaders Credit Union and currently serving as director of the Jim Ayers Alumni Scholarship Fund.

In 2003, Rushing became a certified student leader by the National Conference on Student Services. He served on the search committee for dean of the UTM College of Education and Behavioral Sciences in summer 2003 and made presentations to the alumni and development committees in spring 2004. The UTM Alumni Council is among the organizations of which Rushing is still an active member.

While attending UTM, Rushing was a member of the Student Government Association, LEAD Academy, Student Activities Council and University Council. He served as a student ambassador and member of the History Club and Baptist Student Union. He maintains professional memberships in both Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society.

For more information, call the UTM Parsons Center at 731-847-3880.