I am a Michigander from Minnesota.
I was raised in Minnesota, but I grew up in Michigan. Michigan has been my home since I left the Army in 1976. Michigan welcomed me with open arms. From it’s friendly, family oriented people to it wide range of educational, professional and recreational opportunities, I felt at home. Michigan gave me the relationships to help me grow.
Upon arrival in Michigan I searched 8 months for a job and realized that education creates opportunities. From that point on I continued by education from Associates Degree at Montcalm Community College through a Bachelor of Arts at Spring Arbor University to a Master of Arts at Western Michigan University and a Master of Strategic Studies as the US Army War College. From a couple of college credits to two Masters Degrees, Michigan gave me the education to help me grow.
Paralleling my academic education was my military education. The Michigan Army National Guard gave me the opportunity as a Specialist to go to Officer Candidate School. After my commissioning as a lieutenant, I continued my military education through Ordnance Officer Basic Course, to the US Army War College. From Specialist to Colonel, Michigan gave me the leadership opportunities to help me grow.
My first job was with the Montcalm County Building Department in Stanton, Michigan. From there I began my work at Montcalm Community College in the College Opportunity Prison Extension (COPE) Program. From COPE Assistant, through Student Activities Coordinator and Director of Admissions to Dean of Student Services, Michigan gave me the career opportunities to help me grow.
I came to Michigan as a city girl and soon realized the four season wonderland that surrounded me. There is not a day that goes by that I wish I had more than 24 hours in a day to enjoy my job, my life-long-learning and my Michigan. Michigan gave me the environment to help me grow.
I am proud to say that I grew up in Michigan.
