From Students to Staff: Jordyn Carlson and Zamire “Z” Jackson Join Kuyper College Team
Kuyper College is proud to welcome two familiar faces to its staff: Jordyn Carlson and Zamire “Z” Jackson, both recent graduates from the Class of 2025. Their new roles reflect not only professional growth but also a deep and ongoing connection with the Kuyper community they’ve called home for years.
For Carlson, stepping into the role of Special Events and Alumni Relations Specialist in the Advancement Office is a natural extension of her Kuyper journey. 
“Before my current job at Kuyper, I was a student here and worked as a nanny,” she shared. “I loved getting to have an excuse to do fun things like going to the zoo or the park. I just really loved spending time with the kids.”
When the opportunity arose to join the Kuyper staff, it was an easy decision.
“What appealed to me was getting to stay at Kuyper,” Carlson said. “I love this community so much and liked the idea of connecting with alumni.”
She’s already looking forward to the rhythm of campus life in the fall.
“I cannot wait to see the campus bustling. I also look forward to connecting alumni with current students.”
A Grand Rapids native, Carlson began her college journey at Grand Rapids Community College before transferring to Kuyper. She recently earned a Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership, with an emphasis in Bible and Theology. Her years as a student were marked by rich relationships and impactful experiences.
“Some of my favorite memories are from attending my friends’ athletic games and cheering them on, or our study nights when we would end up playing card games and doing anything but studying,” she laughed. “I also loved getting to spend time with Student Development before the school year started. We had a day on the lake together and it was so much fun.”
Carlson was first introduced to Kuyper through friends, but it was a conversation with Ann Essenburg in Admissions that sealed the deal.
“Once I started talking with Ann, I knew this is where I needed to be,” she said. “I had so many opportunities—from being on the Spiritual Life team and starting chapel groups to going on trips to Kentucky and Washington, D.C., through the Work College Consortium, to giving the speech at graduation. I have so many memories that I will carry with me.”
For her, the spiritual foundation at Kuyper has been transformational.
“Being a student at a Bible college means that we get to see everything from a biblical point of view. We get to have God introduced in every class and see how He intertwines with what we are learning.”
Joining Carlson in this exciting new chapter is Zamire “Z” Jackson, who has accepted the position of Bookkeeper in Kuyper’s Business Office.
Like Carlson, Jackson is a proud 2025 graduate whose Kuyper story has been shaped by deep relationships and service. He came to Kuyper hoping to play basketball—and he did—forming lasting bonds with teammates, coaches, faculty, and staff. His professional journey began on campus in May 2024, first as an intern and then as KuyperWorks Office Assistant.
Jackson graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Leadership and now brings his skills and passion for excellence to the financial side of the college. In his new role, he’ll help manage the college’s financial operations, supporting the systems that keep Kuyper moving forward.
Both Carlson and Jackson represent the very best of Kuyper—graduates who’ve chosen to invest back into the community that shaped them. Their stories are a testament to the enduring impact of a Kuyper education: one that fosters not just academic and spiritual growth, but a lifelong sense of calling and belonging.
