Contributing to the Classroom Experience
Taking time for students has always been a priority for me – making time for interviews, mentoring, and presenting in the classroom. I have worked extensively with Phi Theta Kappa students at Schoolcraft College on a variety of projects, including participating in campus forums. A recent example would be presenting with the College Controller in an intermediate accounting class studying bond transactions. The Controller and I shared perspectives on a range of topics, including:
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By participating in the classroom experience, I was able to offer real-world examples of how debt financing could be used to grow an organization. The students also learned about the strategies and funding sources behind the construction they were witnessing every day on campus.
Expanding Educational Opportunities for Students
As head of Schoolcraft College’s Finance and Business Office, I championed an initiative called “Schoolcraft to U” that significantly eased the process of earning four- and six-year degrees for Schoolcraft students at the following University partners:
The program creates a seamless transition into higher-level degree programs with these partners, while offering students the convenience of remaining on Schoolcraft’s main campus in Livonia. |
Supporting Student & Community Health and Wellness
After a thorough use analysis, I recommended the conversion of an unused auxiliary gym into a premium Fitness Center. The Center has since become a destination spot for community, faculty and staff, and especially students. It has also become an integral part of Schoolcraft's health and wellness initiatives.
This Fitness Center currently has more than 2,000 members. The facilities include an extensive free weight area, total body strength equipment, and a large array of cardio equipment including treadmills, elliptical machines, bikes, and adaptive motion trainers. |
Understanding and Improving the Complete Student Journey
Promising to nurture mind, body and spirit, and then following through on that promise, is critical to recruiting students to campus and then retaining them. Recognizing students’ need for collaboration outside the classroom, all buildings on campus have been designed to incorporate student social gathering areas. Research indicates that retention rates increase with more opportunities for students to interact on campus outside of the classroom. The emphasis I have placed on identifying and funding projects that allow this type of interaction is informed by my doctoral work. A model from that work serves as a visual guide for many of the decisions being made at Schoolcraft College to improve students’ experience.