Jacksonville students land honors at Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University recognized several area students for academic achievement for the fall semester, a signal of rising human capital among Morgan County residents. The honors, announced Jan. 11, 2026, included Jacksonville student Holly Davis on the dean's list and Jacksonville's Damon Christian on the president's list, with additional president's list honorees from Carrollton, Chandlerville, Pittsfield, Roodhouse and Virginia.

The university’s criteria make clear what the designations mean: dean's list standing requires a GPA between 3.5 and 3.699, while the president's list recognizes students with GPAs of 3.7 or higher. Those thresholds represent sustained academic performance rather than a single strong semester, and local recognition underscores an accumulation of skills that can feed Morgan County’s labor market.

For a county whose economic vitality depends on a combination of small employers, public services and regional health and education institutions, improved educational attainment matters. Strong college performance among local students typically translates into greater employability, a higher likelihood of pursuing advanced credentials, and stronger wage prospects over time. Employers looking to fill technical, administrative or managerial roles will view consistent academic achievement as a signal of reliable, trainable talent.

The immediate market implication is modest but tangible: local businesses and government agencies may find it easier to recruit candidates from within the county, reducing hiring costs and turnover. Over a longer horizon, if a steady stream of Morgan County residents graduates with strong GPAs and relevant credentials, the county could see incremental gains in median incomes and a better match between employer needs and local labor supply. That outcome is not automatic; retaining graduates is crucial. Rural and small-town economies frequently face "brain drain" when talent departs for urban centers, so translating academic honors into local economic benefit depends on retention strategies.

Policymakers and community leaders can use this moment to sharpen workforce development efforts: expand internship pipelines between regional employers and universities, incentivize return-to-home placements for recent graduates, and highlight opportunities for remote work that allow college-educated residents to live locally while earning higher wages. Local employers may also consider partnerships with Southern New Hampshire University to shape curricula toward in-demand skills.

The recognition of Holly Davis and Damon Christian, along with students from surrounding towns, is more than a line on a bulletin; it’s a reminder that Morgan County is producing talent worth cultivating. Our two cents? Celebrate these achievements, then make a plan to turn academic success into local jobs and long-term payoffs for the community.