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Brooke Jankowsky has always been driven by a go-big-or-go-home mentality. From an early age, ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø graduating senior threw herself into every organization she joined, determined to contribute as much as possible.  

Her academic journey began at Macomb Community College, a two-year institution in her hometown of Warren, Michigan. There, she immersed herself in campus life and took on leadership roles that would shape her future.  

"Brooke has always pushed hard for herself," said her mother, Heather Jankowsky. "Learning and growing were her greatest gifts. Brooke's drive, dedication and determination pushed her to achieve goals many would not have even tried for." 

At Macomb, Jankowsky served as co-officer of , an international honors society recognized for fostering academic excellence and service. She jumped right in with the Ole Miss chapter when she arrived. 

"Brooke represents the very best of what transfer students bring to universities like Ole Miss," said Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. "She arrived from community college with a strong foundation and immediately got involved.  

"Brooke is the kind of student every institution hopes for." 

Her experience as a student leader inspired her to aim higher; she ran for PTK Division 3 international vice president, demonstrating her ambition and commitment to making an impact beyond her own campus. 

During her time at Macomb, Jankowsky also recognized what she called a "false negative stigma" towards community colleges and was determined to discover why it existed. After extensive research, she launched a campaign to combat these ideas and began presenting at local high schools. She wanted to teach them how to be #CCSmart.  

As her confidence grew, she expanded her efforts into states such as New York, Texas and Mississippi.  

"The opportunity to present my research project on community college advocacy to the Association of Community College Trustees in Times Square was truly a life-changing experience," she said. "I had also turned 20 while I was there, so it was very special to me."  

By age 20, Jankowsky had earned four associate degrees and 131 credit hours. Seeking a new adventure, she toured universities in 2023 and selected Ole Miss after feeling at home among the welcoming students.  

The university offered her a full-tuition merit scholarship that included housing. That helped ease the trauma of moving 12 hours from home, a giant step for someone who had never lived anywhere but Michigan.  

"I have grown up in the same home my entire life," she said. "The furthest I've moved before coming here is across the hallway when my sisters were born and we switched rooms." 

She refused to get "transfer shock," which she had heard many transfer students struggle with settling into a new college or university. Transfer shock is a temporary, common dip in GPA and increased stress during the first or second semester at a new institution.  

Jankowsky decided to use every available school resource.

She checked UM Daily and ForUM regularly, which led to her finding events, volunteer opportunities, organizations and even Lenoir Dining, the student-run restaurant on campus. Through her involvement, she learned about things like Who's Who and the Hall of Fame.  

She also made friends with two of her roommates, Kappy Eastman and Hannah Olive, who made the transition worth it. They invited Jankowsky to club meetings and helped her get settled.  

"Living with Brooke was nothing short of amazing," Olive said. "Brooke was open to trying new things and did not limit herself to only the things she knew. She was open to coming to church with me, lunch with me and even came to watch my public reveal when I joined my D9 sorority.  

"Brooke was an amazing roommate, and I am glad to know that we both made a huge impact in each other's college experience." 

Transferring to Ole Miss was both exciting and challenging for Jankowsky. Because of a 60-credit transfer cap, she had to retake many introductory business courses.  

"I used this as a pro, not a con, by performing well and setting a high GPA from semester one," she said 

At Ole Miss, Jankowsky is majored in management and marketing, with minors in entrepreneurship and English. She focused her studies on international business and digital media strategy.  

"Brooke is one of the most determined students I've ever had the pleasure to know, yet she remains humble and excited to learn from others in all areas of her life," said Cynthia Maupin, assistant professor of management. "Brooke is an inspiring leader both inside and outside of the classroom, and I have no doubt she will accomplish great things in her future." 

Jankowsky worked as a community leader for the for the past two summers, counseling students and introducing them to campus life. She was promoted to team manager at the end of her first summer and was re-hired for that position the following summer.  

"She has an exceptional work ethic, is an outstanding team player and is consistently reliable," said Ariadna Lugo Huerta, the office's summer programs manager. "Over the summer, Brooke went above and beyond to assist students stranded at the airport.  

"She is remarkable in everything she does, and we at Pre-College have nothing but high praise for her." 

Jankowsky was drawn to the strong sense of sisterhood she saw in Greek life at Ole Miss.  

Thanks to her Pre College salary and her grandmother, she was able to join Alpha Omicron Pi sorority through primary recruitment as a senior, an uncommon move. 

Despite being older than most new members and facing an initial disconnect, she soon found her place and formed meaningful friendships. Jankowsky encourages others to consider joining a sorority, regardless of when they start. 

In all, Jankowsky embraced Ole Miss by joining 17 organizations and holding leadership roles in many of them. She serves as vice president of professional development for Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, director of internal communications for and vice president of the Transfer Leadership Organization. 

Tres Jones served with her on Transfer Leadership Organization and Associate Student Body Senate. 

"I have not just had the opportunity of serving alongside Brooke in ASB and TLO, but the opportunity to get to know her," Jones said. "My favorite moments with Brooke were when we would just talk, about everything.  

"I can think of two specific times when we just sat down for two or three hours and just talked about issues, hopes, dreams, opportunities, our 'why.' Those personal experiences are why I believe that no matter what Brooke does, she will do it wholeheartedly and with everything she has." 

Jankowsky is finishing up her honors thesis and applying to graduate school. She is also a recent Who's Who inductee, recognized as one of 200 students for academic achievement, leadership and service on campus and in the community. Amidst these achievements, she is looking ahead to graduation with excitement and a touch of nostalgia. 

"Graduation will be the first time my whole family has been at Ole Miss all together," Jankowsky said." I can't wait to hear them yell, 'Way to go B,' when I walk across the stage." 

Top: Brooke Jankowsky, a management and marketing senior from Warren, Michigan, joined 17 organizations and held leadership roles in many of them after transferring to Ole Miss in 2023. Photo by Hunt Mercier/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services