A Caring Director for Adult Learners: Jenna Cronin

Jenna Cronin is all about helping others move forward. From her time in the military to her work in correctional education, she has seen what it takes for someone to turn their life around. Today, as Director of Admissions at Charter College’s Pasco, Washington campus, Jenna uses her past experiences to help her guide students as they begin a new journey. She believes in their potential and wants them to, as well.

A Career Shaped by Service and Second Chances

Jenna spent four years in the U.S. Air Force, where she trained as a linguist studying Serbian and Croatian. The program was intense and required a high level of focus and discipline. It wasn’t easy, but it taught her how to work hard toward a goal while managing other high-level responsibilities.

“I think that shaped my empathy for students,” Jenna explains. “Especially the ones who are really trying to change their lives.”

After leaving the military, Jenna moved into education within the correctional system. For nearly ten years, she taught GED courses to incarcerated adults in both Florida and Minnesota, eventually working her way up to become Supervisor of Education at her last institution. The experience opened her eyes to how many people face barriers in education.

“I didn’t fully understand the dropout rate in the U.S. until I was in this environment,” Jenna says. “Helping those students remove that obstacle became my passion.”

Working with that demographic also showed Jenna the power of education, especially when someone is given a second chance.

Learning to Invest in Yourself

Jenna’s own educational journey also played a big role in her desire to help others find their path. After high school, she worked and saved money so she could enroll in college on her own. But she had to leave because she could not afford to continue.

“I didn’t want to take out loans at first,” Jenna says. “But I realized it was an investment in myself.”

That decision allowed her to continue her education and eventually earn two master’s degrees in business administration and library & information science. When asked about the financial aid that helped Jenna, she says: “Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. If it’s the right path, it can open so many doors.”

Finding a New Path at Charter College

After returning to the Tri-Cities area, Jenna was ready for a new opportunity. In her job search, she found that Charter College was looking for an Admissions Director. Jenna’s research about the school and what it offers students told Jenna that it was where she wanted to be.

“The whole interview and hiring process happened really fast,” Jenna says. “It just felt like the right fit from the start.”

Jenna joined the Pasco campus as Director of Admissions and quickly saw how her past experiences connected to her new role.

“I’ve always wanted to help people remove obstacles from their lives,” she says. “That’s exactly what we’re doing here.”

Supporting Charter College Students from the Start

As Director of Admissions, Jenna leads a team that helps students take their first steps toward a new career. Her team connects with prospective students, learns about their goals, and helps them move through the admissions process.

From there, students are invited to visit campus, complete an interview, and review their program and financial aid options. Even after they enroll, the admissions team stays in touch.

“We check in with them regularly to make sure everything is moving forward,” she says. “We want them to feel supported before they even start class.”

That support helps create a strong start for every student who walks through her campus doors.

Charter College Culture of Support

Jenna immediately noticed Charter College had a very family-oriented culture where everyone helps each other. Even after working in positive environments before, she says this felt different.

“Everyone here is so supportive,” Jenna says. “Students can walk into any office, and the faculty and staff will drop whatever they’re doing to help them.”

That sense of teamwork and shared purpose makes a big impact on both staff and students. Jenna truly believes that culture starts at the top with leadership. She points to Charter College CEO Joshua Swayne as someone who sets the tone and the mission for Charter.

“Josh is so invested in student success,” she says. “And that mindset carries throughout the whole organization.”

Opening Doors Through the C4L Program

While Jenna enjoys working with all students, she has a special connection to those in Charter’s C4L program. The program allows students to earn their high school diploma while training for an in-demand career at the same time.

“These students have already overcome a lot to get here,” Jenna says. “That makes their journey even more meaningful.”

Jenna says that working with these students brings her career full circle, connecting back to her time helping others get an education when they thought they could not.

Why Choose Charter College

When students want to know why they should choose Charter College, Jenna focuses on what matters most to today’s learners.

“Choose Charter if your time is valuable and you want to get into a career that you love and works for you,” Jenna explains. “If you want hands-on training in a supportive, family-esque environment, Charter offers that.”

Jenna Cronin and the team at Charter College’s Pasco, WA campus are committed to helping students take that first step toward a better future. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and start building a career you’re proud of, now is the perfect time to learn more. Fill out the form or call 888-200-9942 to get started today!