Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is proud to announce that Jamie Olson has been honored as the 2025 Humanities Instructor of the Year by the Mississippi Humanities Council. This annual award recognizes scholars, educators, and organizations that have made significant contributions to the public humanities in Mississippi. This year’s Public Humanities Awards will be held on March 28 at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson.

Olson, a Gulfport resident, began her journey into interpreter training unexpectedly while working in retail sales, where she frequently assisted Deaf customers. This experience ignited her passion for learning American Sign Language (ASL) and fostering effective communication with the Deaf community. She pursued formal training at MGCCC’s Interpreting Training Program, earning her first degree in 2005 and achieving national certification in 2011 as one of only 17 interpreters in Mississippi with the prestigious National Interpreter Certification (NIC). Later, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Interpreting Training Program Studies, ASL-English, from William Woods University.

For the past 12 years, Olson has shared her expertise as an instructor at MGCCC, where she passionately guides aspiring interpreters. Her multifaceted role involves not only teaching sign language but also nurturing her students’ professional and personal growth. Olson’s dedication is evident in the supportive, reciprocal learning environment she creates—a place where students and instructor alike learn and evolve together.

As part of her recognition, Olson will present “Just One Interpreter’s Lens: The Deaf Community” on March 13 at 12:30 in U-202 on the Harrison County Campus. Her presentation will offer a unique, personal perspective as a single sign language interpreter, highlighting both the challenges and invaluable insights gained from her experiences with the broader Deaf community. This initiative aims to bridge understanding and foster inclusivity, enriching the academic environment for community college students and inspiring future professionals in the field.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Jamie Olson. “This award reflects not only my personal journey but also the collective effort of my students and our community in promoting understanding, inclusivity, and lifelong learning.”