McKinsey Family
The McKinsey family’s support of Ozarks Tech reflects a deep and enduring belief in the power of education, service, and opportunity for all students. Their establishment of the Jackie & Matt McKinsey Memorial Scholarship honors the lives and legacies of Jacqueline “Jackie” McKinsey and her son, John Matthew “Matt” McKinsey, while continuing the family’s longstanding commitment to education and community leadership.
Jackie McKinsey played a foundational role in the history and growth of Ozarks Tech. As a founding member of the Ozarks Tech Board of Trustees in 1990, she helped guide the college through critical years of expansion and development, including the hiring of its first presidents, the addition of new campuses and locations, and the continued growth of educational opportunities throughout southwest Missouri. During her years of service, Jackie held leadership roles as secretary, treasurer, vice chair, and chair of the board and later became just the fifth individual named trustee emeritus.
Her dedication to education extended far beyond Ozarks Tech. Jackie served 12 years on the Springfield School Board, participated in statewide educational leadership through the Missouri School Boards Association and the Missouri Special Education Advisory Board, and was appointed to the Missouri Women’s Council by Governor Mel Carnahan. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she received numerous honors, including the Trustee Leadership Award from the Missouri Community College Association and recognition as one of the Springfield Business Journal’s Most Influential Women.
Known for her calm determination and unwavering belief in the value of education, Jackie believed strongly that learning creates pathways to independence, growth, and opportunity. Those same values are reflected in the scholarship established in honor of both Jackie and Matt.
Impact
The Jackie & Matt McKinsey Memorial Scholarship supports Ozarks Tech students while honoring two lives remembered for compassion, perseverance, and the belief that education can transform lives.
Through this scholarship, the McKinsey family continues Jackie’s legacy of educational leadership, advocacy, and service to others. The fund helps create opportunities for students pursuing their educational goals at Ozarks Tech while preserving the family’s commitment to community impact and student success.
Jackie’s influence continues to shape the college and community she helped build, and the scholarship ensures that her impact, alongside Matt’s memory, will continue for future generations of students.