CLYDE LETARTE CENTER / HILLSDALE
JUNE 2019 / VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 2
Hillsdale’s Cornell committed to success Student success navigator Sara Cornell enjoys connecting with the students she helps each day at the Hillsdale LeTarte Center. Cornell recently received Jackson College’s Total Commitment to Student Success or TCS2 Award. It honors an employee for helping to make a difference in the life of a student or students. For Cornell, working with students is what she enjoys most about her job. She understands the challenges and struggles they face because she started as a Jackson College student herself.
LeTarte Center to get a new look this summer
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ackson College’s Clyde LeTarte Center will soon get a new look and some needed repairs! This summer, construction will begin to renovate the exterior. The building that houses the center was once a car dealership, and over the years has required updates to accommodate college classes, update building systems and technology, as well as weatherproofing. Now, work will continue on the exterior to give it a more collegial look and increase its curb appeal. The front entryway will be remodeled with a tower and signage, new siding added and the entire building painted. The facility’s roof will be replaced as needed and landscaping added. “Based upon recommendations from our Hillsdale Community Advisory Group and staff, combined with general building needs, the Board of Trustees chose to further invest in our Hillsdale building,” said President Daniel J. Phelan. “It is our hope that our Center will be viewed as a more welcoming place for students seeking a quality higher education experience.”
Construction will begin in June and finish by October. Students and staff will use the center’s back door while the front area is closed for construction, but otherwise, there will be no disruption of classes or services. HISTORY IN HILLSDALE Jackson College opened its center on West Carleton Road in 1991 and previously offered classes through the adult education program at Hillsdale High School. In 2000, the Hillsdale Center was renamed to honor former college President Clyde E. LeTarte, who served as a member of Michigan’s House of Representatives for House District 65.
“I love working with students, helping them to clarify their goals and giving them support. I enjoy when they come back and say they reached their goals,” Cornell said. She meets regularly with Jackson College students and helps them find their way, assisting them when needed but still holding them accountable for their own learning, finding a delicate balance. She often goes above and beyond, staying after hours to accommodate a student’s schedule, helping with events or helping in the community. She also helps with the Hillsdale County Early Middle College (HCEMC) program. “Everything Sara does to serve Jackson College is a step to ensure our students will be successful. Sara is very passionate about her students’ success and that shows in the work she does every day,” said Nicole Huepenbecker, customer service specialist at the LeTarte Center.
In 2007, the center was renovated to upgrade facilities, including creating a science lab, laptop computer lab, remodeled student lounge, improved offices and more. Today the center serves about 500 students from Hillsdale County and the surrounding areas. The LeTarte Center offers one-stop services designed to make the enrollment process easy for students.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE!
In the community, Cornell recently became a court-appointed special advocate, or CASA, for children in foster care. She meets with foster care children and provides recommendations to the court, in addition to their social workers. This is a way for me to give back and to be involved,” she said.
Fall semester begins Sept. 3. Speak with a student success navigator today to get started, or to complete what you may have started previously. It’s never too late! A college education is vitally important in today’s workplace. Set yourself up for success with the convenience, accessibility and caring of Jackson College’s Hillsdale LeTarte Center.
*****ECRWSS***** Local Postal Customer 2111 Emmons Road Jackson, MI 49201-8399
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WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE
MAKING A DIFFERENCE Jackson College is proud to offer quality, affordable higher education at the Clyde LeTarte Center making a difference in each student’s life and in Hillsdale County. Where do you see yourself in your future? Whatever your goal, consider the choices. At Jackson College, seeing our students succeed is our first priority. You may hear about our Total Commitment to Student Success – TCS2. This commitment highlights our focus on helping students to reach their goals and have an outstanding experience throughout their college years. We want to help you on the right path, from start to finish. Our student success navigators – Sara Cornell and Nadia Monat – will work with you from admission to graduation! Get to know your Hillsdale staff and teaching faculty. They are here for you! In this edition, learn about exciting changes coming to the Hillsdale LeTarte Center facilities, profiles of students, alumni and staff, and note important coming events. Also, read about today’s in-demand career fields that Jackson College can help you reach. Today’s fast-changing workplace demands workers who have the education and skills necessary. A college education is increasingly important; make the most of this important step by choosing an institution committed to you. Your future success will be a result of your efforts today. Let Jackson College be part of that. Sincerely, Michael Masters Dean, Lenawee and Hillsdale County Centers
Find an in-demand career with Jackson College
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hinking about your career future, or wondering about a career change? Check out programs from Michigan’s Hot 50 High-Demand, High-Wage Careers that you can complete at Jackson College!
ACCOUNTING
9.4%
growth
In accounting, students learn how businesses track their income and assets over time. It is the language of commerce and important to a variety of fields, from business and industry to government, education, entertainment, even the legal system. Jackson College’s accounting program offers associate degree options that are available entirely online.
COMPUTER SUPPORT
11%
growth
Computer support specialists provide first level hardware and software technical support to individuals and companies. They work within IT departments, computer hardware or software vendors, and for third party organizations that provide support services on a contract basis, such as help-desk service firms. Jackson College offers both an associate in applied science and certificate in computer support specialist.
DENTAL HYGIENE
20%
We Are Jackson College is produced two times annually by the Marketing and Communications Department at Jackson College. If you have comments or questions about the publication call 517.796.8416. Publisher: Cynthia S. Allen • Editor: Dotty Karkheck Writer: Marilynn Fryer • Designer: Abbie Stein Photography: Marketing and Communications JACKSON COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sam R. Barnes, Chairman • John M. Crist, Vice Chairman Sheila A. Patterson, Secretary • Donna L. Lake, Treasurer Matthew R. Heins, Trustee • Philip E. Hoffman, Trustee Dr. Edward A. Mathein, Trustee Dr. Daniel J. Phelan, President & CEO All rights reserved. No part of the material may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher. It is the policy of Jackson College that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender, marital status, or handicap, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which it is responsible for or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Clyde LeTarte Center • 3120 W. Carleton Road • Hillsdale, MI www.jccmi.edu • 517.437.3343 Jackson College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Higher Learning Commission 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604 (800) 621-7440 • hlcommission.org
Jackson College offers an associate of applied science degree.
ELECTRICIAN
Jackson College offers an associate degree, a certificate, and a concentration.
LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE
6.8% growth
Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures in homes, businesses, industries and more. All electricians start with a basic knowledge of electricity and current. Students then learn the basics of circuit analysis; electronics; residential, commercial
10.4% growth
Nurses work to promote health and provide direct care for ill, injured, or convalescing patients or persons with disabilities in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, private homes, group homes, and similar institutions. A degree in nursing offers ample career opportunities – from inpatient acute care, home care, skilled nursing facilities, community health and more. Jackson College offers a certificate program.
POLICE & SHERIFF’S PATROL OFFICERS
6.6%
growth
Law enforcement officers – police and detectives – protect the public, maintain order and investigate crime. Police officers may also work their way up in the ranks to sergeant, lieutenant or deputy chief. In addition to local agencies, there are opportunities in the federal system, such as the FBI or Homeland Security. Jackson College offers an associate of applied science degree and certificate in law enforcement.
growth
Dental hygienists provide preventive and therapeutic care in the management of oral health. Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis and provide other preventive dental care. Ongoing research linking oral health to general health spurs demand for preventive services offered by dental hygienists. We Are Jackson College – Clyde LeTarte Center, Hillsdale June 2019 • Volume 1 | Issue 2
and industrial wiring; troubleshooting; electrical motors and controls; the Electrician’s National Code and more.
REGISTERED NURSES
13.5% growth
Nurses work to promote health and offer counseling and education to individuals, families and communities. They assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. They administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. Jackson College offers an associate degree in nursing, as well as an LPN to RN program. FINDING YOUR FUTURE Many of today’s in-demand jobs require further study; that may be a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree. Speak with a student success navigator to learn more about career opportunities and planning your college path from Jackson College and beyond. If you do plan to transfer, it’s very important to take the necessary courses from your first semester on, so working with your navigator is important. Find the complete list at https://milmi.org/ Research/category/michigans-hot-50-jobs.
Advisory Group seeks input Want to learn more about Jackson College in your county? Jackson College President Dan Phelan, College administrators and local leaders meet regularly with Hillsdale and Lenawee counties in advisory group meetings. The goal of these meetings is for Jackson College to connect with local leaders to gain insight on how the College can better serve the community. In addition, College officials will share recent updates.
Local school district representatives, business and manufacturing leaders, nonprofits and more are invited. Recent conversations focused on how Jackson College affects the local community, how it could be of greater value, best ways to send out information and more. Meetings are held twice a year and are by invitation, all are welcome. If you are interested contact Sara Perkin, chief of staff, at 517.796.8569 or PerkinSaraA@jccmi.edu.
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Desire to help others leads to rewarding career Bradley Hodshire worked for years as a certified nurse assistant, enjoying the opportunity to help people. He wanted to further his career, but the thought of going back to college was daunting. He had been to college for criminal justice but could not find jobs available when he finished. A lifelong resident of Camden, he decided to enroll at Jackson College’s Hillsdale LeTarte Center to become a registered nurse. It was the right decision. “Honestly, I’ve always wanted to help people. I enjoyed working as a CNA, but thought it was definitely time to further my career,” Hodshire said. “It was tough but so rewarding and worth it. The staff is absolutely amazing, there’s not one person that I could say anything bad about.” Hodshire began his studies in Hillsdale and completed them with the nursing program on Central Campus in Jackson. He is working at the Hillsdale Hospital in the medical surgical unit. “I think the best part is getting to know different people, helping them after all they’ve been through,” he said. Another momentous event came just after graduation for Hodshire when he and his wife welcomed their first baby, a daughter. Now with his young family and a career for the future, all doubts are gone and he is happy with the decisions he made. “For anyone thinking about going back to school who had a doubt in their mind, I’d say don’t, just do it. That was my big thing; I thought college would be hard. And you do have to put everything into it and just do it. But it’s worth it, it’s very, very rewarding.”
Hillsdale student finds solution for future with cyber security Finding solutions to the puzzles created by today’s cyber security world proved the right answer for Carson Smith’s future. Smith, of Ransom, began his college experience at Oakland University in computer animation and game design. Realizing that wasn’t the right fit, he switched to information technology (IT) and transferred to Jackson College. He was able to stay close to home and complete a great education for his future. He received guidance from the student success navigators at the Hillsdale LeTarte Center and took classes both in Hillsdale and Jackson. “I realized I really liked cyber security, and I noticed that the cyber security program at Jackson was top-notch,” he said. “Each problem is a puzzle and the feeling that I get when I solve that puzzle is the best feeling in the world.” Participating in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition made his learning come to life. Competitions feature students receiving a cyber-breach scenario that they must help correct. Students gain a better understanding of networks, learn just how vulnerable a system can be, develop their ability to respond in a high-stress situation, how to handle corporate instructions and more. “It was an amazing experience with the competition,” Smith said. He and several other students also participated in a National Cyber League and the Cyber Fast Track online competition. He graduated in May with associate degrees in both cyber security and computer networking, and already has a job in his field at Willis Information Technologies of Jackson. He plans to continue his studies with Western Governors University to complete a bachelor’s degree in cyber security. “If someone is thinking about the cyber security field, the best advice I have is that you have to make it your hobby. To succeed in cyber security and IT, you have to make it your hobby and enjoy it in your free time. The field is constantly evolving,” Smith said.
HCEMC grad gets head start on health care career When Reading High senior Madelyn Monahan heard about the Hillsdale County Early Middle College, she jumped at the opportunity.
Monahan jumped at the opportunity. “I wanted to get as many college classes done as I could,” she said. Monahan has stayed active in high school, playing softball and as part of the National Honor Society, and in her community, with
Monahan has completed more than 30 college credits – about the equivalent of a full-time year of college – and has been admitted to Jackson College’s radiography program! “I didn’t think I’d ever get admitted to the radiography program as a senior,” Monahan said, noting that she starts just four days after her high school graduation. Radiography is a health care field that teaches students to take X-rays and other imaging techniques, such as CT scan and MRI. It is what’s known as a “second-admit” program, meaning students complete basic studies and prerequisites before being admitted. Thanks to the HCEMC, Monahan is already ahead! When she first heard about the HCEMC, the opportunity to get an extra year of college free,
the Crossroads Youth Ministry. Balancing high school, middle college and activities can be stressful, but it’s also taught her great time management skills, she notes.
“I would definitely recommend it (HCEMC). There are a lot of people involved who will help you. It’s a great opportunity,” she said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Hillsdale County Early Middle College and Reading High School.” ABOUT HCEMC The Early Middle College combines high school and college programs. Beginning in the 11th grade, students complete high school requirements and HCEMC requirements. Students may take college courses in the morning, afternoon or evening, depending on their choice and course offerings, in addition to their high school curriculum. Following 12th grade, students complete the fifth year fully at Jackson College, finishing with their high school diploma and at least 15 transferable college credits. High school students may still participate in their local district’s activities, sports, graduation and more. Want more information about HCEMC? Contact Amanda Janes, center coordinator at 517.437.3343.
WE ARE JACKSON COLLEGE
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Creating a college, career plan for Hillsdale County Helping Hillsdale County residents reach their career and educational goals is a top priority for Holly Clark.
and around Hillsdale County. The goal is to ensure students have the knowledge and skills employers are seeking,” Clark said.
Clark serves as the Hillsdale County Career Access Planning (HCCAP) Coordinator. The HCCAP initiative was launched and funded by the Hillsdale County Community Foundation (HCCF) to build a community culture that embraces and encourages career development planning and higher learning for Hillsdale County students and residents. In a collaborative effort with local districts, the Hillsdale County ISD, HCCF, business/industry, Hillsdale College, and non-profit organizations, HCCAP developed a countywide structure for career development in grades 7-12, which includes but is not limited to, curricula, hands-on activities, promotion of Going PRO, introduction to O*NET, creation of MiTalent Connect profiles, mock interviews and college/career tours.
COMING TOGETHER A focus group comprised of school superintendents, counselors, postsecondary education partners, business and nonprofit community leaders work to streamline ongoing efforts. Through the HCCAP-designed structure, students explore careers, gain exposure to high-demand high-wage jobs, self-reflect, learn to set goals, receive assistance with résumé writing and mock interviews, and more. Additionally, as part of the HCCAP structure, students participate in meaningful, real-world experiences in an effective learning process connected to their coursework and career goals. Future efforts will focus on developing a talent pipeline connecting businesses directly with school districts to provide work-based learning opportunities, internships, and job shadowing. Clark said, “The HCCAP and countywide collaborative effort continues to develop a cohesive system that streamlines the preparation of students for career, college, and life.”
“We’re providing students and work-age residents with access to career and postsecondary educational opportunities in
PROGRAMS OF STUDY at Hillsdale LeTarte Center Any Jackson College program can be started at the LeTarte Center by completing general education and prerequisite courses. The following programs of study can be completed solely at the LeTarte Center. Associate in Arts
Digital Photography – Certificate
Associate in General Studies
EKG Technician – Skill Set
Associate in Science
Phlebotomy – Skill Set
Business Administration – Associate in Applied Science, Certificate
Electronic Health Records – Skill Set
Allied Health General Studies – Associate in Applied Science Behavioral Sciences Certificate Corrections – Associate in Applied Science, Certificate (requires a few classes online)
Management – Certificate Prerequisite classes for secondadmit programs, including nursing, sonography, radiography, dental hygiene, respiratory, are available. Learn more on any program at www.jccmi.edu
Law Enforcement – Associate in Applied Science, Certificate (requires a few classes online)
JUNE 30
Instructor loves helping students learn
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nstructor Corrie Caldwell can relate to her students at the Hillsdale LeTarte Center. Getting her start at Jackson College helped change her life, and today she helps future generations find success by teaching as an adjunct instructor. “Jackson College was so flexible, and I loved my experience,” Caldwell said. “There were many professors who took me under their wing, encouraged and inspired me.” Some of her own instructors also taught at Hillsdale College, which led to Caldwell applying there also after two years – and earning a full scholarship! Completing her bachelor’s degree in teacher education, she was the first person in her family to graduate from college. “Jackson College is good at uncovering those hidden gems. So many of our kids in this area don’t recognize their potential.”
Student success navigator new to center, but not to Hillsdale Nadia Monat may be new to the Hillsdale LeTarte Center, but she is no stranger around Hillsdale County! Monat joined the staff of the LeTarte Center about six months ago, working as a student success navigator. Each day she meets with students, helping them through the processes of registration, choosing a major or program and planning for their future. “I am a lifetime college student myself, and I enjoy helping people,” she said.
Caldwell teaches at Reading Community Schools as well as being an adjunct instructor for JC. She teaches active reading and a freshman-year Seminar in Life Pathways class that instructs students about choosing a major and career, tips for success and more. She also oversees a writing lab for students. Seeing students connect in the classroom and beyond offers many rewards, such as Pathways Showcase events that explore career opportunities; Caldwell said her students were “on fire” after realizing how many opportunities existed for their futures. She is also active with the Hillsdale County Early Middle College program. “The LeTarte Center is like a family. It’s like one-stop shopping; if you don’t know an answer, someone will find the answer for you. They watch out for students, it’s like a family.”
Born in Hillsdale, Monat lived in Europe while growing up, graduating high school in Poland. She returned to Hillsdale in 1997 and starting her education with Jackson Community College in 1998. After completion of her master’s degree at Drexel University, she worked with the Jackson District Library for eight years and managed Reading and Jonesville Libraries in the recent past. She is a member of the US 12 Heritage Trail DAR Chapter and the Hillsdale Mitchell Research Center. “I have an attachment here and wanted to be able to give back to the community and its members.” It’s been busy getting to know everyone, and she has loved each minute of it. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here. All of the students are really amazing, and I’m grateful to be here.”