I Am Jackson: Vicki Burch

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Vicki Burch

What is your hometown?

I spent my childhood in Florence, Alabama and in the early 60s I moved to Nashville, which I considered my hometown. I graduated from Harpeth Hall and attended Auburn University but transferred to the University of Kentucky, graduating with a degree in art history. There I met my husband, Bruce. After college we married and lived in Anniston, Alabama. I worked for a proprietary education company that purchased West Tennessee Business College in Jackson. In 1979 Bruce and I moved to Jackson, and I became Executive Director of the college. After 47 years we both call Jackson our hometown.

What is your profession?

In 2020 I retired from a 40-year career in education which I entered by accident as a high school recruiter.
From personal experience, I was passionate that others needed basic skills for the job market such as letter writing, keyboarding, bookkeeping, telephone, and customer service. While in Anniston I learned about curriculum development, job placement, academic accreditation, and the fiscal operations of an educational institution, preparing me to move to Jackson and operate the College. Over the last 40 years, I have trained thousands of students and hired hundreds of employees to support the needs and career interests of our students and local employers. As Executive Director and then President and CEO I helped countless people across West Tennessee to meet their educational and career goals. 

Where have you volunteered in efforts to give back?

I have  had opportunities to volunteer with many local nonprofits. In 1987, I was one of five women asked to join the Jackson Downtown Rotary Club as Rotary International had voted to approve women as members. This milestone allowed me to hold many offices including President and Assistant District Governor. Rotary membership for over 30 years has been one of the most rewarding and beneficial aspects of my career, both in giving back to the community and in leadership development. 
Another milestone has been my involvement with West Tennessee Healthcare, which began when asked to join the WTH Foundation Board to help raise funds to support local healthcare needs and those of WTH’s patients and employees. I served as Board Chair for two terms. My involvement continued with the healthcare system when I was appointed to serve as a Trustee for the West Tennessee Healthcare Board in 2012. I am currently serving my third, five-year term, and I am the Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees. Volunteering here has provided many opportunities to make a difference in our community and in the lives of the employees and patients across the 18 surrounding counties. I am humbled to have this honor and responsibility, serving Jackson-Madison County and West Tennessee.
Another honor of my lifetime was being named Jackson Woman of the Year in 2012-2013.
As a member of All Saints Anglican Church, I am involved in our outreach programs as part of our Mission Abbey, reaching into our community to support many social needs and organizations.

Three words that describe you.

Sense of Humor/ Trustworthy/ Servant’s Heart

What is one thing that you do not go a day without?

Gratitude and prayer  (and checking the weather forecast!)

I am Jackson because……

Since I moved to Jackson 47 years ago this town has offered our family life-long friendships, career opportunities, and the desire to continue to grow with our community as a wonderful place to call HOME.