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Michigan Community CollegeLeadership Academy

2017–2018 Fellows

2017–2018 Fellows • 2Michigan Community College Leadership Academy

DEBORAH BAYERVice President of InstructionAlpena Community College665 Johnson Street • Alpena, MI 49707989-358-7458 (w) • 989-590-2831 (c)[email protected]

Deborah Bayer is the newly appointed Vice President of Instruction at Alpena Community College in Northeast Michigan. Prior to Deborah’s arrival at Alpena, she spent twelve and a half years in administration at Oakland Community College. She is active in the Michigan Occupational Deans Administrative Council (MODAC) and has participated in the development of programs such as the Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) program. Deborah has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science degree in Career and Technical Education, both from Ferris State University.

CAROLYN DAOUSTDirector of Human Resources/Title IX CoordinatorAlpena Community College665 Johnson Street • Alpena, MI 49707989-358-7211 (w) • 989-916-5227 (c)[email protected]

Since November 2005, Carolyn Daoust has been the Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator for Alpena Community College. She has a Master’s Degree in Administration with a major in Human Resources from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Lake Superior State University and two associate degrees from Alpena Community College. In addition, she is certified as a Professional in Human Resources through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). Currently serving as the President for MCCHRA, Carolyn also enjoys volunteering in her local community and is the President of the Alpena Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. She is married and has two adult children. In her free time, Caroyln enjoys traveling, biking, walking, reading and spending time with her friends and family. She is honored and excited to participate in the Michigan Community College Leadership Academy.

Michigan Community College Leadership Academy 2017–2018 Fellows


MATT BARRONVice President of Academic AffairsBay de Noc Community College2001 N. Lincoln Road • Escanaba, MI 49829906-217-4054 (w) • 906-235-8432 (c)[email protected]

Matt Barron joined Bay in 2010 from research and development at Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Matt served Bay as the Math-Science Center Coordinator, Research Analyst, adjunct faculty in the Math-Science Division where he taught both biology and math courses, and as the Dean of Arts and Sciences before being named the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Matt earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. A native of the Upper Peninsula, Matt graduated from Mid Peninsula High School in Rock, MI. Matt lives in Negaunee, MI with his wife and three children.

KEVIN CARLSONVP of FinanceBay College2001 N. Lincoln Road • Escanaba, MI 49829906-217-4023 (w) • 906-360-1587 (c)[email protected]

Kevin Carlson currently serves as the VP of Finance at Bay College located in Escanaba and has been a Yooper for almost all of his life. He received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and his MBA from Marylhurst University. Kevin previously held a variety of leadership positions outside of higher education before coming to Bay College more than two years ago. He currently lives in Negaunee with his wife and three children and is looking forward to attending the Leadership Academy.


ANDREA URSUYAssistant to the President & Director of Institutional EffectivenessDelta College1961 Delta Road • University Center, MI 48710989-686-9222 (w) • 989-225-3710 (c)[email protected]

Andrea Ursuy is the Assistant to the President and Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Delta College. In her role, she directs strategic planning, coordinates organizational development initiatives, and oversees Institutional Research, the Center for Organizational Success, and the Faculty Center for Teaching Excellence. In addition, she serves as the Secretary to the Board of Trustees. Andrea is an alumna of Delta College earning an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Business Studies. Andrea then earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Northwood University and a Master of Science in Human Resources and Organizational Development from Eastern Michigan University. She has worked in higher education for more than 17 years.

JONATHAN MILLER Dean of StudentsDelta College1961 Delta Road • University Center, MI 48710989-686-9472 (w) • 401-309-9843 (c)[email protected]

Over the last thirteen years, Jonathan Miller held a variety of positions that have provided him with an opportunity to coordinate programming and advising centered on diverse groups of students at both four-year and two-year institutions. Jonathan has extensive student services experience from both college and university settings, including Susquehanna University, Allegheny College, and Trinity College. Prior to coming to Delta, Jonathan served as Assistant Dean for Student Life and Leadership at Quinsigamond Community College (QCC). In his role at QCC, Jonathan developed and co-coordinated a male mentoring retention initiative, Brothers & Keepers, that included a Summer Bridge Program as well as the development of a pipeline from the high school to the community college to the local four-year public university. He has a Master of Arts in Student Personnel from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University.


TONYA HOWDENDean of Student ServicesGlen Oaks Community College62249 Shimmel Road • Centreville, MI 49032269-294-4230 (w) • 269-870-5670 (c)[email protected]

Tonya Howden is the Dean of Student Services at Glen Oaks Community College. In this role, she supervises Admissions, Early/Middle College, Counseling/Advising, Registration and Records, TRIO Student Support Services, Financial Aid, Student Clubs and Activities, and Student Housing. Additionally, Tonya is the college’s Title IX Coordinator. She serves on numerous college, community and state committees and has presented at state and national conferences. Previously, she held the positions of Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Admissions at GOCC. Prior to her work in higher education, Tonya was an English and Communications teacher at the secondary level. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Enrollment Management from Capella University.

RYON LISTDean of InstructionGogebic Community CollegeE4946 Jackson Road • Ironwood, MI 49938906-307-1216 (w) • 906-285-0974 (c)[email protected]

In January of 2017, Ryon List was appointed the Dean of Instruction for Gogebic Community College. His career in higher education began years ago when Ryon started teaching as an adjunct instructor at Montcalm Community College in Sidney, Michigan, teaching composition, journalism, and technical writing. When he finished his master’s degree in composition and communication from Central Michigan University, he began teaching full time at Gogebic Community College. He worked for nine and a half years as a faculty member at GCC, where he taught a variety of literature and writing courses. In addition to teaching at GCC, Ryon has served as the division chair, curriculum committee chair, a facilitator for the college’s outcomes assessment initiative, and as the accreditation liaison officer. Additionally, Ryon is working toward his doctorate in community college leadership through Ferris State University.


LORI COOKDirector of Admissions and EnrollmentGrand Rapids Community College143 Bostwick Avenue NE • Grand Rapids, MI 49503616-234-3099 (w) • 616-337-7375 (c)[email protected]

Lori Cook has worked in higher education for her entire professional career. She has spent more than 10 years at Grand Rapids Community College and prior to that she worked at Aquinas College. Initially Lori began her work in Financial Aid and previously was the Assistant Director in the Financial Aid Office until she moved over to the Admissions and Enrollment side of the college. Lori received a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College and a master’s degree in Education from Grand Valley State University.

ERIN VAN EGMONDAssociate Director of College AdvancementGrand Rapids Community College143 Bostwick Avenue NE • Grand Rapids, MI 49503616-234-3931 (w) • 616-481-5970 (c)[email protected]

Erin Van Egmond has been with Grand Rapids Community College for 17 years. Erin has been with the GRCC Foundation for the past 12 years. She currently serves as the Associate Director of College Advancement. She has also worked in the GRCC Foundation in roles involving alumni and donor relations. She started her career at GRCC in the Financial Aid Office as the Scholarship Coordinator. Erin has served on many cross-campus teams and committees, including multiple committees for celebrations that took place during the college’s 100th anniversary.


ADAM CLOUTIERDirector, Teaching & Learning ServicesHenry Ford College 5101 Evergreen Road • Dearborn, MI 48128313-845-6313 (w) • 313-655-7922 (c)[email protected]

As the Director of Teaching and Learning Services at Henry Ford College, Adam L. Cloutier oversees planning, implementing, and evaluating services within Henry Ford College’s Tutoring Center, Library, Instructional Technology and Online Learning Support, Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, and Curriculum Support. He is passionate about flexible learning, being student ready, and developing partnerships. Over the past few years he has been instrumental in improving physical teaching and learning environments, reestablishing the college’s academic catalog, and formulating several committees to improve online education at HFC and determine its future direction. Adam is a recent graduate of the Doctorate in Community College Leadership program at Ferris State University, where his focus of study was “Improving Mathematics Placement for Community College Students: An Evaluation of Placement Improvement Programs.”

JENNIFER ERNSTDean, School of Liberal ArtsHenry Ford College5101 Evergreen Road • Dearborn, MI 48128313-845-6385 (w) • 734-740-3067 (c)[email protected]

Jennifer Ernst has been appointed the Dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Henry Ford College. Prior to that she served as the Associate Dean of the Communications Division after teaching literature and composition for over 10 years. She recently earned her Doctorate of Education in Community College Leadership at Ferris State University. As the product of a community college education, Jennifer is particularly proud to make a career of ensuring that same opportunity is offered to other students.


PATRICIA CHATMANDirector of Workforce and Professional DevelopmentHenry Ford College3601 Schaefer Road, Building A • Dearborn, MI 48126313-317-6603 (w) • 586-604-7534 (c)[email protected]

For more than thirty years, Dr. Patricia Walker Chatman has worked in workforce and professional development and behavioral health services. Dr. Chatman is the Director of the Henry Ford College Workforce & Professional Development Division and Lecturer at Oakland University. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources with a specialization in Training and Development from Oakland University, a master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration from Central Michigan University, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy Administration from Walden University. Dr. Chatman has extensive experience in business administration, public policy and administration, project/program development, management and implementation, fiscal management, entrepreneurship, grant writing and development, contract negotiation and compliance, and research and development. Dr. Chatman is the owner of Walker Chatman Publishing, and author of The Jobs, Education, and Training Program: Perpetuating a State of Dependency (2014), Knowing is Not Enough (2014), The Indie Author’s Resource Guide to Self-Publishing (2015), and Front Paige (2017).

BECKY ROBERTSProfessor of Communication Jackson College2111 Emmons Road • Jackson, MI 49201517-796-8491 (w) • 517-499-6959 (c)[email protected]

Dr. Becky Roberts is a Professor of Communication at Jackson College. A North Freedom, Wisconsin native, she holds a doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a Master of Liberal Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She completed her graduate work in Communication at the University of North Dakota. As an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, she majored in Music and Communication. Prior to her arrival at Jackson College in 2006, she taught for the State University systems of Wisconsin, North Dakota and Minnesota. Her current initiatives include increasing travel and study abroad opportunities for Michigan Community College employees and students. Dr. Roberts serves as President of the Liberal Arts Network for Development.


BRIAN NEWBERRYInstructional DesignerJackson College2111 Emmons Road • Jackson, MI 49201517-990-1368 (w)[email protected]

Dr. Brian Newberry has enjoyed a diverse professional career as a teacher/technology coordinator at two small schools on the Navajo Reservation, community college instructor at Northland Pioneer College in Arizona, grant project coordinator at the University of Kansas, and professor of Instructional Technology at California State University, San Bernardino. He is currently the instructional designer at Jackson College.

LEE HAMPTONDirector of Multicultural AffairsJackson College 2111 Emmons Road • Jackson, MI 49201517-796-8470 (w) • 517-812-2019 (c)[email protected]

Lee Hampton has served as the Director of Multicultural Affairs at Jackson College since 2005. He is a graduate of Jackson High School in Jackson, Michigan, of Lansing Barber College, Lansing Community College (AA), Central Michigan University (BA), and Siena Heights University (MA). Previously, Lee served as a Coordinator of the Michigan College & University Partnership Program at Spring Arbor University and taught at Jackson High School in Jackson, Michigan. Lee is a published author. He serves on many local boards, committees, and advisory groups, including an appointment by the Mayor of Jackson to serve on the Downtown Development Authority. Lee played college basketball for Lansing Community College and Central Michigan University; and he played professionally with a Harlem Globe Trotter affiliate. In 2006 he was one of only 300 young professionals in the nation selected to attend the United States Senate Future Leadership Summit held in Washington D.C. hosted by U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas. Lee is a nationally sought after presenter (on topics around his research on effectively educating students of color in the 21st century) and has presented at colleges, universities, and conferences throughout the United States. Throughout his career, Lee has been honored with dozens of awards and recognitions, including several special recognitions from the U.S. Congress and being recognized as Jackson College 2015 Administrator of the Year. He is married to his best friend, Melinda, and they have ten wonderful children. They reside in Jackson, Michigan.


TINA MATZDirector of Workforce TrainingJackson College2111 Emmons Road • Jackson, MI 49201517-796-8671 (w)[email protected]

Tina Matz started with Jackson College in 2009 as an Employment Advisor at the Jackson Michigan Works! location, where she developed a strong understanding of community resources, partner collaboration, and workforce trends. In 2010, Tina transferred to the Office of Corporate and Continuing Education (CCE) at the Jackson College Central Campus, where she has expanded her career in community and continuing education. Today, as the Director of Workforce Training, Tina oversees the coordination and implementation of CCE Workforce Training Programs, the facilitation of the Michigan New Jobs Training Program for the tri-county region, and focuses on developing and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external customers. Tina currently holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Central Michigan University. In addition, Tina is a certified Business Solutions Professional, and is currently in training to become a certified Professional Coach with a Career Coaching niche. Tina currently serves on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the Region 2 Planning Commission and Workforce Focus Committee for Jackson College. Tina received the South Central Innovation Award from Michigan Works! in 2010 and the Jackson College Outstanding Staff Award in 2014.

ELYSE JOZLIN English Professor Kellogg Community College 450 North Avenue • Battle Creek MI 49017269-965-3931 ext. 2289 (w) • 269-579-4225 (c) [email protected]

Elyse Jozlin is a professor of English at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan. She is entering her sixth year of teaching and fourth year at KCC, where she teaches courses in transitional English, composition, and literature. As a faculty member, Jozlin is a chair for United Way and is a member of the Service Learning Committee. Jozlin is a proponent of English as a Second Language (ESL) education and leads a study table for students looking to bridge the gap between their native language and academic work. To pursue expansion of ESL programs and courses at KCC, Jozlin is currently in the process of earning her M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) at Western Michigan University.


MICHELE REIDDirector, Library ServicesKellogg Community College450 North Avenue • Battle Creek MI 49017269-660-2380 (w)[email protected]

Michele Reid joined Kellogg Community College in January 2017 as Director of Library Services, after earning a PhD in Higher Education Administration, with a focus on adult and vocational education, from North Dakota State University. Her dissertation, “The Boundaries of Social Entrepreneurship in Higher Education: A New Framework,” developed a unique conceptual definition and framework for instances of an approach increasingly utilized in colleges and universities to foster economic and social transformation. She also holds an associate degree from Valencia Community College, a bachelor’s in History and Spanish, summa cum laude, from the University of Central Florida, a master’s in Library and Media Studies from the University of South Florida, and a master’s in Medieval History from Rutgers University. Michele has more than 30 years of experience in both public and private institutions, including in senior positions in academic libraries and information technology.

KENNETH FLOWERSDean, Career & Workforce EducationLake Michigan CollegeOffice C-122B, 2755 East Napier • Benton Harbor, MI 49022269-927-4103 (w) • 269-932-5105 (c)[email protected]

Kenneth Flowers spent the first 14 years of his career in manufacturing, working as an apprentice in the mold making industry and eventually becoming a journeyman mold maker and mold designer. Over the course of the last 17 years he has worked at Lake Michigan College in the Career and Workforce Education Division as an adjunct faculty, full time faculty and Department Chair. He is currently the Dean of Career and Workforce Education. Ken lives in St. Joseph with his wife, Misty. They have two adult children, Austin and Lindsey, and one granddaughter, Ryatt.


GREG SIESZPUTOWSKI Director of the Center for Learning and LeadershipMid Michigan Community College1375 S. Clare Avenue • Harrison, MI 48625989-386-6622 ext. 503 (w) • 989-619-7867 (c)[email protected]

Greg Sieszputowski has served as the Director of the Center for Learning and Leadership at Mid Michigan Community College since 2015. In this role, he directs professional development initiatives and serves as a leadership and performance coach for the college. During his 15 years in education, Greg has also held roles as Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Kirtland Community College, distance education administrator, adjunct instructor, and online course developer. Greg holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley University, a BA in Education from Adrian College, and is completing a graduate certificate in Human Resources from Central Michigan University. Greg is also a Certified Faculty Developer (CFD), Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA), Certified Development Dimensions International (DDI) facilitator, and a professionally certified K-12 teacher in the State of Michigan.

JEREMIAH WAGNERAssistant ProfessorMid Michigan Community College1375 S. Clare Avenue • Harrison, MI 48625 989-386-6622 ext. 154 (w) • 517-706-9333 (c)[email protected]

Jeremiah Wagner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Math and Science at Mid Michigan Community College where he has primarily taught biological sciences for the past 8 years. In addition to teaching, Jeremiah has also been active in service to MMCC and has chaired the college’s Academic Council, been a member of the College Council, and has helped to plan a number of its Professional Development Days. Jeremiah has previously held positions at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and Beloit College. He earned his PhD at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and his bachelor’s from Northern Michigan University.


RANDY DANIELSVice President for Student Services and Information Systems Monroe County Community College 1555 S. Raisinville Road • Monroe, MI 48161734-735-5536 (w) • 734-384-4224 (c) [email protected]

Randell (Randy) Daniels is the Vice President of Student and Information Services at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) and an adjunct instructor for Siena Heights University. He joined MCCC full-time in 1995 as the Director of Admissions and Guidance Services. Prior to joining MCCC, Randy was a high school counselor and an elementary school teacher, teaching all grades K-5. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education/Educational Leadership from the University of Toledo, a M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Toledo. He has served on a variety of state organizations and local boards and is currently serving as the President-Elect of the Michigan Community College Student Services Association. Randy is active in his community and serves as a volunteer leader for the Annual Monroe March for Babies. He lives in Temperance with his wife Deanna. They have three daughters, Ashley, Molly, and Carly.

AMY EADYDean of Occupations and Program AssessmentMontcalm Community College2800 College Drive • Sidney, MI 48885989-328-1240 (w) • 616-970-4205 (c)[email protected]

Amy Eady began adjunct teaching at Montcalm Community College in 2004 and became a member of full-time faculty in 2006. In May 2013, Amy accepted the position of Dean of Health Occupations and currently serves as the Dean of Occupations and Program Assessment. Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in medical technology and biology from Saginaw Valley State University. In 2009, she earned her master’s degree in Career and Technical Education from Ferris State University. She holds certifications in medical technology and medical assisting and serves as the medical assisting program director.


DAPHNE EPPSAssociate Administrator for Workforce & Economic DevelopmentMott Community College1401 E. Court Street • Flint, MI 48503810-232-2512 (w) • 810-210-2139 (c)[email protected]

Daphne K. Epps is an Associate Administrator for Workforce and Economic Development at Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan. Mrs. Epps has ten years of experience in higher education and grant funded initiatives, including workforce, career, and grants development; enrollment management; student support services; peer tutoring; and mentoring. She has had the opportunity to inspire, motivate and guide persons towards their future educational goals and career paths. Her service is to assist others believing that everyone deserves love and attention. In her current position, she manages Enrollment Services and Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG), a dropout prevention and recovery program serving opportunity youth from high school to 25 years of age. JMG provides two in-school programs and two out-of-school programs. One out-of-school program includes the Learn Earn Achieve Potential Initiative (LEAP). Daphne holds a Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Communication from Rochester Christian College and an Associate Degree in Business from Mott Community College. Daphne’s goal is to pursue a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Training and Development in 2018.

MADONNA CARPENTER-JACKSONPerkins Special Populations CoordinatorMott Community College1401 E. Court Street • Flint, MI 48503810-762-0539 (w) • 810-241-2323 (c)[email protected]

Madonna Jackson is currently employed at Mott Community College as the Perkins Special Populations Coordinator, where she has been for 10 years. In this role, Madonna assists students first with reaching their educational and personal goals and then with transition to the workforce. Madonna is the first president for the American Association for Women in Community Colleges, Mott Chapter. She also sits on the executive board of the Michigan Occupational Special Populations Association (MOSPA). Both of these organizations are important to Madonna as they help her assist individuals who may not know how to advocate for themselves without guidance. Madonna earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, specializing in Educational Technology, in 2015. Her master’s degree is in Curriculum and Instruction, and before working in post-secondary education Madonna was a site director for Flint Community Schools. Madonna began her career in education as a History, Spanish and Political Science teacher.


KELLEY CONRADVice President for Academic AffairsMuskegon Community College221 S. Quarterline Road • Muskegon, MI 49442231-777-0321 (w) • 231-730-3891 (c)[email protected]

Kelley Conrad earned her BA from Alma College, her MA from Western Michigan University, and is working on dissertation research to complete a PhD in Educational Leadership at Western Michigan University. Kelley is a Michigan Licensed Professional Counselor. She began her career in higher education at Grand Valley State University as the director of the Student Support Services TRIO program, has worked as a counselor in private practice, and began working as a counselor at Muskegon Community College in 1995. She served as Chairperson of MCC’s Counseling and Advising Center until January 2017, when she became Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs. In May she was appointed to the permanent position of Vice President for Academic Affairs at Muskegon Community College.

DIANA FAIRBANKSExecutive Director of Public Relations, Marketing and CommunicationsNorthwestern Michigan College1701 E. Front Street • Traverse City, MI 49686231-995-1019 (w) • 231-392-6082 (c)[email protected]

Diana Fairbanks is a communications professional with more than two decades of experience. She combines her unique background as an award-winning broadcast journalist with her current role at Northwestern Michigan College to find and tell the great stories of the college to better engage its wide variety of stakeholders. In her first two years at the college, she launched a new magazine, started a success focused e-newsletter, created a new video series, oversaw a major website refresh and updated marketing efforts. Diana has lived all over the country, but has called Traverse City home the longest. She is fortunate to live there with her daughter. In her spare time she likes to spend time on the beach or the slopes, depending on the season.


DAVID CECIDirector of Law Enforcement Training Interim Dean of Emergency Services (Non-Traditional)Oakland Community College2900 Featherstone Road • Auburn Hills, MI 48326248-232-4224 (w)[email protected]

David Ceci has been with Oakland Community College since 2003. In January of 2017, David was promoted to the Director of Law Enforcement Training and was recently named the Interim Dean of Emergency Services (Non-Traditional). In this position he has oversight of the Police Academy, the Advanced Police Academy, the Fire Academy, the Advanced Fire Academy, the EMS Academy and the Combined Regional Emergency Services Training Site, among other emergency services responsibilities. David previously served in the Department of Public Safety at Oakland Community College where he rose through the ranks of the Police Department serving as a patrol officer, a sergeant and a lieutenant before taking the on the Directors role. He has taught at four of the regional community college’s police academies and formerly taught as an adjunct at Oakland Community College.

BRIDGET KAVANAUGHDirector, Marketing & Community RelationsOakland Community College 2480 Opdyke Road • Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304248-341-2125 (w) • 248-260-0903 (c)[email protected]

A seasoned marketing and communications professional, Bridget Kavanaugh currently serves as Director of Marketing & Community Relations at Oakland Community College where her responsibilities include brand strategy, communications, analytics, media relations, marketing and community relations. Prior to joining OCC in 2015, she has been a journalism teacher, marketing consultant, director of marketing, and director of corporate communications in media publishing, education, health care, agency and non-profit organizations. She has received numerous awards for her work from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR), Michigan Health Care Communicators Association, American Cancer Society and United Way. She is a member of several professional and community organizations and is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a Business, Marketing and Health Administration emphasis and of Leadership Detroit through the Detroit Regional Chamber.


JULIE ARMSTRONGChief Academic Officer, Vice President of Academic ServicesSt. Clair County Community College323 Erie Street, P.O. Box 5015 • Port Huron, MI 48061-5015810-989-5527 (w) • 810-434-7875 (c)[email protected]

Julie Armstrong holds an MBA in Management and MS in Finance from Walsh College. After a 25-year career in accounting and leadership in the private industry, Julie began teaching at St. Clair County Community College. During her 16 years as an accounting and business professor, Julie filled the roles of Discipline Coordinator for Accounting, Department Chair of Business and Accounting, and Program Lead for Accounting, along with several committee memberships and leadership positions. In August of 2016, Julie accepted the role of Dean of Occupational Studies. In March of 2017, she accepted the role of Chief Academic Officer, VP of Academic Services for Occupational Studies.

PETER LESHKEVICHDirector of Student Development and ActivitiesWashtenaw Community College4800 East Huron River Drive • Ann Arbor, MI 48105734-973-3729 (w) • 734-216-1970 (c)[email protected]

Peter Leshkevich, B.B.A, M.B.A., is the Director of Student Development and a member of the Part-Time Business Faculty at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Peter experienced community college as an Adult Transitions G.E.D. student, where he discovered a support system of talented faculty and staff who encouraged him to continue his academic journey, and ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in education. From student, to faculty, to Director, Peter has had a unique opportunity to observe and participate in community college leadership at multiple levels. He is looking forward to expanding his leadership potential while helping other students discover their pathway to academic, career, and overall life success.


PETER BACCILEExecutive Director for Online Learning, Educational & Media Technology ServicesWashtenaw Community College4800 East Huron River Drive • Ann Arbor, MI 48105734-477-8924 (w) • 607-857-6024 (c)[email protected]

Peter Baccile is the Executive Director for Online Learning, Educational & Media Technology Services at Washtenaw Community College. Mr. Baccile holds a bachelor’s in Geology and Secondary Education, with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Technology. During the first ten years of his career he was an honored high school Earth Science Teacher specializing in problem-based curriculum, enhanced through technology integration. Peter followed his passion in educational technology by accepting a position as a District Technology Director and working with the Council of Chief State School Officer’s Next Generation Learners Team and the New York State Education Department. Mr. Baccile came to Washtenaw Community College in 2014, and was soon promoted as the Senior Director for Online Learning with the primary objective of leading the college’s strategic plan to rapidly grow online programs, meanwhile decreasing production cost, increasing output and adding meaningful animation and simulation throughout. In less than 3 years, the college is a nationally recognized leader in higher education online offerings. In 2017, Peter enthusiastically accepted the position as an Executive Director of a newly formed division.

JENNIFER JORDANHuman Resources AssociateWayne County Community College District801 W. Fort Street • Detroit, MI 48226313-496-2765 (w) • 313-671-2236 (c)[email protected]

Jennifer Jordan is a Human Resources Associate at Wayne County Community College District where she audits and maintains faculty content. Jennifer graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Development. She is currently working on her graduate degree at Northwood University where she will obtain her master’s in Business Administration in December 2017.


DONNELL MASON IIDistrict Associate Vice Chancellor, Division of Student ServicesWayne County Community College District801 W. Fort Street • Detroit, MI 48226313-496-2600 ext. 2804 (w) • 313-407-2878 (c)[email protected]

Donnell Mason is a District Associate Vice Chancellor for the Division of Student Services at Wayne County Community College District. In this role, he manages the implementation of the WCCCD assessment policy. He coordinates and evaluates WCCCD student success programs across all five campuses to support positive student outcomes. He is responsible for quality assurance in managing internal controls for contracted programs and compliance reporting for grant funded initiatives. He also assists the Vice Chancellor and maintains broad oversight responsibility for the Division of Student Services, as well as developing and implementing new strategic initiatives. Providing leadership as a member of the Student Solutions Team, he is involved in all aspects of WCCCD’s Strategic Enrollment Services and Academic Support Services. Prior to his appointment as District Associate Vice Chancellor for the Division of Student Services, he served in the capacity of District Dean of Enrollment Management and Records, District Dean of Contracted Programs, Associate Dean for Instruction and Assistant Dean of Transfer Programs.

WILL SAMPSONAssociate Vice ChancellorWayne County Community College District801 W. Fort Street • Detroit, MI 48226313-496-2648 (w) • 313-520-1190 (c)[email protected]

Will Sampson currently serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Services of Wayne County Community College District in Downtown Detroit. As the chief recruitment and outreach officer, Will is responsible for creating and monitoring the District’s annual Enrollment Management Plan, which includes new student recruitment, retention analysis and special program enrollment for dual enrollment and emerging career programs throughout the multi-campus District. Will earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication: Argumentation & Advocacy from Adrian College, an MBA from Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management and is currently pursuing his doctoral studies in the Roueche Graduate School Community College Leadership Program.


CHRISTY CHRISTMASDean of Occupational ProgramsWest Shore Community College3000 North Stiles Road • Scottville, MI 49454231-843-5834 (w) • 231-690-5707 (c)[email protected]

Currently serving as the Dean of Occupational Programs, Christy Christmas has also served West Shore Community College as the Director of Student Success Services. Christy also has more than 20 years of K-12 experience working with a wide range of student populations, including adult and community education, alternative education, athletics, and middle/high school. She also served as the Owner Representative in a $16.9 million dollar Bond Project during her tenure as the Director of Communications & Special Projects at Mason County Central Schools. She co-authored an Alternative Education Collaborative Agreement between two local school districts and was a part of the start-up of three different alternative education programs. As Chair of the Student Success Team, Christy has been a part of new initiatives such as the Accelerated Learning Program, First Year Seminar, and Supplemental Instruction. Christy has a master’s degree from Grand Valley State University, teaches First Year Seminar, and continues her own journey of life-long learning by continuing to be a student herself.

JOHN WOLFF Professor West Shore Community College 3000 N. Stiles Road • Scottville, MI 49454 231-510-6243 (w) • 231-843-5979 (c)[email protected]

Professor of Humanities John B. Wolff earned a terminal degree from the University of Montana in 1996, and he has been a member of the faculty at West Shore Community College for more than 20 years. He teaches a wide variety of literature and writing courses and has served as Chair of the Communications Division from 2009 to 2016. Wolff is a published author of numerous poems and essays. His book, The Driftwood Shrine: Discovering Zen in American Poetry, was recently published by Sumeru Press in 2016. Wolff’s professional interests are currently focused on digital literacy.

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