HFC welcomes Cortez Jackson: Hawks alumnus returns to alma mater

For HFC Accounting Associate Cortez Jackson, an HFC alumnus and former point guard for the Hawks men’s basketball team, HFC is more than a college.

“It’s home in many ways,” said Jackson, of Warren. “When I was a student-athlete here, the HFC community provided me with opportunities to go in many different directions. They had a big impact on my life and also my brother’s (HFC alumnus Curtis Jackson, who also played basketball for the Hawks). Without HFC, I don’t know where I’d be. The College has had a direct impact on my life, and I’m grateful.”

“The people at HFC treated me like family”

Born in Detroit, Jackson is the middle of five children. An alumnus of Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores, Jackson attended HFC on a basketball scholarship, playing for Coach Chris Shepard. He earned his associate degree in business administration from HFC. He transferred to Wayne State, where he finished his college basketball career and earned his bachelor’s degree in finance. He is currently in Wayne State’s MBA program.

“The basketball scholarship and the resources at HFC attracted me to come here,” said Jackson. “The people at HFC treated me like family. They eased the transition from high school to college, gave me clarity on what I wanted to do, and provided me with the right resources. The College was the right fit for me.”

Building strong relationships at HFC

During his time as a student, Jackson built strong relationships with retired HFC counselor Diane Green, HFC Athletic Director Rochelle Taylor, and HFC President Russ Kavalhuna.

“They’re the reason I wanted to come back to HFC,” he said. “Diane Green helped me better my life and move on to the next level of my education.”

Jackson met Kavalhuna on the basketball court.

“At first, he was just some random guy on the basketball court. I had no clue who he was. I came into the gym before practice and started doing my routine on the other end of the court,” recalled Jackson. “He came over and started a conversation. He introduced himself to me and said he was the president. He’s been in my corner ever since. He wrote a letter of recommendation for me. He extended a warm welcome when I hired in at the College.”

A way to make an impact on students

Jackson reports to HFC Bursar Rhonda Johnson. His duties include:

• Making payment arrangements so students can stay enrolled at HFC.
• Collecting debts for HFC.
• Giving students as many resources as possible to fit their needs.

“It’s a matter of figuring out that balance of helping students stay enrolled and collecting money for the College. I’m helping them out and getting them to pay at the same time,” he said. “I wanted to come back to HFC and have an impact on the students the same way Diane Green had an impact on me.”

Initially, Johnson didn’t know Jackson had played basketball for HFC.

“I can see the traits of a strong team member in the way he shows up on time and pushes to do his best. In basketball terms, ‘He shoots, he scores!’” she said. “His interview was polished and professional. I was impressed to see that his work performance has mirrored his interview. Smart and resourceful, he has the ability to pivot and move the collections area of Student Accounts forward. Having attended HFC, Cortez shows a level of empathy to students. I have heard him explain to many students that his role is to help them through their debt situation. He assures them that a win for them is a win for the College!”

Shepard and Taylor are proud of their former basketball player.

"As a player, Cortez demonstrated exceptional dedication on the court, contributed meaningfully to his teammates' success, and consistently achieved both his athletic and academic goals,” said Taylor. “His hard work and commitment strengthened our program, and these same qualities will serve him well in his new role. I’m excited to watch him grow and thrive as part of the HFC team."

Added Shepard: “HFC is lucky to have Cortez Jackson as an employee. His leadership was second to none as a student-athlete here. He will bring tremendous work ethic and talent to his new position.”