WCC Launch Magazine, Fall 2026

Launch.

A Washtenaw Community College Publication

FALL 2026

REAL SKILLS. REAL CAREERS. REAL IMPACT.

REAL SKILLS. REAL CAREERS. REAL IMPACT. wccnet.edu/enroll

Launch

FALL 2026

In This Issue

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Letter from the President

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REAL SKILLS. REAL CAREERS. REAL IMPACT. The careers that keep us moving

Dear Friends,

INNOVATION IN ACTION

Every day, Washtenaw Community College students are preparing for careers that strengthen communities, fuel our economy and improve lives.

In this issue of Launch, you’ll meet students, alumni, employers and faculty whose stories reflect the real impact of a WCC education. Our programs are designed to help students gain skills that employers need today — and for the future.

Our expert faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry partnerships provide students with real-world experience that translates directly into career opportunities.

Preparing students for what's next

6 9 EARN WHILE YOU LEARN

Student-apprentices ready on day one

At the same time, we remain committed to affordability. We are proud to offer the lowest tuition in Michigan and pathways that help students achieve their goals without overwhelming debt — whether directly entering the workforce or transferring.

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As we celebrate 60 years, I am inspired by the determination, talent and aspirations of our students.

Their success is our purpose.

With gratitude,

Rose B. Bellanca, Ed.D., President Washtenaw Community College 2 wccnet.edu/enroll

VETERAN PROFILES

Next mission starts here

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STEM STARS

Oumou Kane

Thank you for being part of the WCC story as we continue creating opportunities, changing lives and building a stronger future together.

TEACHER PATHWAYS

Addressing Michigan's shortage

Launching future engineers

WCC BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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Christina Fleming, Chair; Angela Davis, Vice Chair; David DeVarti, Treasurer; Ruth A. Hatcher, Secretary; Diana McKnight-Morton; William G. Milliken Jr.; Eileen Peck Launch Fall 2026

BROADCAST, COMMUNICATION, VISUAL, DIGITAL & FINE ARTS BROADCAST & COMMUNICATION

Audio Production and Engineering Broadcast Media Arts Journalism Technical Communication

DIGITAL ARTS

3D Animation Animation for Film & Broadcast Animation for Game Art Digital Media Arts Digital Video Production

VISUAL, FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

Arts Management Fine and Performing Arts Global Studies Graphic Design Photographic Technology Photography

BUSINESS BUSINESS

Accounting Accounting for Business Administrative Assistant Business Administration— Transfer Pathway Business Enterprise Business Office Administration Computer Software Applications Core Business Skills Cultural Resource Management Digital Business Marketing & Sales Entrepreneurship Esports Management Human Resources Management Marketing Marketing Essentials Occupational Studies Retail and Business Operations Retail Management Social Media Management Sports & Entertainment Management Supply Chain

GENERAL STUDIES General Studies—Transfer Pathway General Studies—Employment Pathway Public Policy

HEALTH SCIENCES DENTAL

Dental Assisting

IMAGING

Computed Tomography (CT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Mammography Radiography

NURSING

Nursing Assistant Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse (LPN to RN) Registered Nurse (RN)

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS Cardiac Telemetry Technician Health Administration Health Care Foundations Health Program Preparation Medical Assisting Physical Therapist Assistant Sterile Processing Surgical Technology

HUMAN SERVICES PRE-EDUCATION & PUBLIC SAFETY HUMAN SERVICES Human Services

PRE-EDUCATION

Child Development Early Childhood Administrator Certificate Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Transfer Introduction to Elementary Education Education Paraprofessional Secondary Education

PUBLIC SAFETY

Criminal Justice Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Paralegal Studies Certificate Paralegal Studies/Pre-Law Police Academy

LIBERAL ARTS TRANSFER Liberal Arts Transfer

MANUFACTURING, TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES, SKILLED TRADES & CONSTRUCTION TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGIES

Advanced Auto Body Repair Auto Body Repair Automotive Cybersecurity Automotive Services Technician Automotive Test Technician Custom Auto Body Fabrication & Chassis Design EV Safety & Fundamentals EV Service Technician Powertrain Development Technician Transportation Technologies

MANUFACTURING

Advanced Manufacturing (CNC) Automation Specialist Industrial Electronics Technology Engineering Technology Mechatronics-Robotics & Automated Systems Robotics Technician Semiconductor & Battery Manufacturing

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August 31: Session I • September 23: Session II October 1: Session III • October 23: Session IV

PROGRA MS

ENROLL NOW FOR FALL SEMESTER!

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Computer Systems Technology Cybersecurity & Operations Principles of Cybersecurity Programming in C++ Programming in Java

ENGINEERING

Pre-Engineering Science-Transfer

MATH AND SCIENCE

Environmental Science Exercise Science General Studies in Math and Natural Sciences Math and Science Biology/Pre-Medicine Chemistry/Pre-Medicine Mathematics

APPRENTICESHIP & TRADES Apprenticeship Completion Construction Supervision Industrial Training Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship Journeyman Industrial

100% available online

SKILLED TRADES & CONSTRUCTION

Construction Management Construction Supervision HVAC

To learn more about our Student Success Guarantee, visit wccnet.edu/guarantee

ENGLISH & COLLEGE READINESS English as a Second Language

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATH AND SCIENCE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Artificial Intelligence Applications Certificate Computer Networking

wccnet.edu/enroll

Scan here to enroll wccnet.edu/enroll

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REAL SKILLS. REAL CA

Every day, we place our trust in the hands of professionals, skilled tradesmen and women — with real skills — who got their start at Washtenaw Community College. vThe WELDER who ensures the safety of a bridge. vThe HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL caring for loved ones in emergencies. vThe POLICE OFFICER responding when seconds matter. vThe TEACHER educating our children. vThe AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN keeping families safe on the road.

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rom advanced manufacturing and skilled trades to healthcare, public safety, business, technology and the arts, WCC graduates help power the workforce that communities depend on every day.

Through affordable, accessible, quality education and training programs, WCC students benefit from strong partnerships with employers, cutting-edge labs, industry-standard equipment and professional faculty members who bring real-world experience directly into the classroom.

Industry partners work closely with the college to help shape curriculum that aligns with the workforce needs of the region and state, ensuring graduates are prepared to contribute on day one.

“I trust WCC’s quality of instructors 4 wccnet.edu/enroll

Lakeside’s nearly 50 current employees. Boylan is among regional professionals who help guide the quality of WCC’s programs through industry advisory boards.

HVAC grads Bill Christie (L) and Nathan Kubinec (R) with Lakeside General Manager John Boylan.

and lab facilities. When we are hunting for technicians and see an applicant is from WCC, they get moved up in the interview process,” says John Boylan, general manager at Lakeside Service, an HVAC company.

His father, WCC alumnus Tom Boylan, started Lakeside over 40 years ago.

HVAC graduates Bill Christie and Nathan Kubinec are among Launch Fall 2026

“I chose HVAC because I saw it was in high demand and would be a job that AI cannot take away,” says Kubinec. He and Christie agree the college’s cutting edge lab facilities — especially in electrical training and troubleshooting capabilities — enhanced their technical skills.

CAREER OUTLOOK: HVAC Tech v Role: Installs, maintains, repairs heating, ventilation, A/C and refrigeration systems v Outlook: Thousands of openings due to retirements, construction growth and energy-efficiency needs v Salary: $55,000–$70,000 entry level; $90,000+ experienced

AREERS. REAL IMPACT.

91,000

Degrees and certificates awarded, educating and training graduates for much needed jobs that strengthen the region.

MARLENE RADZIK: Career in Public Safety During a 30-year career as an undercover detective, negotiator and trainer with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, WCC Police Academy graduate Marlene Radzik earned the Medal of Valor and nine Meritorious Service citations.

In 2022, she became the Saline Police Department's first female police chief.

Q: How did the WCC Police Academy prepare you for law enforcement?

A: "The discipline was driven home every day and that has stayed with me. ... What I love about the WCC academy is how they have changed with the times. ... When I went there (1991), it was more of a

wccnet.edu/enroll

warrior mindset, and now there is more of a guardian mindset, which I love and where we are heading."

Q: What are you most proud of in Saline?

A: "I helped adjust personnel, modernized 9-1-1 dispatch services ... and for the first time ever, our officers are wearing body cameras that automatically activate when triggered by certain events. We place a high priority on citizen safety and positive community engagement. ... We're moving forward in a good direction."

Read more about Chief Radzik’s journey at wccnet.edu/news

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REAL SKILLS. REAL CAREERS. REAL IMPACT.

INNOVATION IN ACTION As Michigan’s economy evolves, Washtenaw Community College is adapting alongside it. Through new programs, specialized labs and partnerships with industry and universities, WCC is preparing students for careers in emerging fields such as electric vehicles and semiconductor manufacturing.

POWERING THE FUTURE: Semiconductor Education

Photo credit: MSU

WCC students gain hands-on training at Michigan State University, fabricating micrometer-sized electronic devices.

Semiconductors power the technologies people rely on every day, from smartphones to electric vehicles.

Modern vehicles alone can contain thousands of chips that support battery management, safety systems and advanced driver-assistance features.

advancing semiconductor technology using lab-grown diamonds — an emerging material with the potential to significantly improve performance in electronics and energy systems.

Through this collaboration, WCC students and adult learners will have access to specialized training and workshops, connecting them directly to cutting-edge research and Industry 4.0 careers.

To prepare students for a rapidly evolving industry and Michigan’s unique role in it, WCC is preparing technicians for careers in semiconductor manufacturing, testing, automation and power electronics.

Together, these efforts position WCC students at the forefront of innovation — where advanced manufacturing, mobility and technology converge.

Semiconductors power many modern devices.

Students will gain hands-on experience through new semiconductor and battery manufacturing programs, including training in an CAREER OUTLOOK: Semiconductor Technician on-campus cleanroom that mirrors real-world v Role: Builds, tests and maintains microchips used production environments. in electronics and vehicles At the same time, the college is expanding opportuniv Outlook: Fast-growing field driven by demand in ties beyond campus through a new National Science EVs, AI and advanced manufacturing Foundation-funded partnership with Michigan State v Salary: $60,000–$100,000+ annually University and Fraunhofer USA. The project focuses on

6 wccnet.edu/enroll

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REAL SKILLS. REAL CAREERS. REAL IMPACT.

ELECTRIFYING THE FUTURE: Hands-On EV Learning

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ith the opening of WCC's new EV & Battery Lab, students now train in a state-of-the-art environment equipped with charging stations, battery workbenches and industry-grade tools.

These facilities are designed to mirror today’s evolving automotive workplaces and meet consumer needs.

Innovative projects such as converting a vintage vehicle into an EV are what set the college's programs apart.

A rendering of the new VW Thing once WCC students convert the vintage vehicle into an all-electric car.

This year, Transportation Technologies students are transforming a 1974 Volkswagen Thing into a fully electric vehicle — removing the internal combustion engine and replacing it with modern battery technology.

The multi-semester project brings together students from Auto Body, Auto Service and EV programs in a collaborative, real-world learning experience.

hands-on experience at every stage. The project will culminate in a fully reimagined electric vehicle, showcasing both technical skill and innovation.

It’s a powerful example of how WCC prepares students not just to enter the workforce — but to help shape the future of mobility.

From disassembly and structural repair to battery installation and final design, students are gaining

CAREER OUTLOOK: EV Technician

v Role: Repairs and maintains electric and hybrid vehicles v Outlook: Rapid growth as EV adoption rises v Salary: $50,000–$90,000+

Students are fully immersed in the restoration and EV conversion of a vintage VW.

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REAL SKILLS. REAL CAREERS. REAL IMPACT.

FROM CLASSROOM TO SIX FIGURES

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tudents in WCC’s advanced manufacturing programs are landing high-paying careers in aerospace, precision machining and automation, and industrial robotics — often before they graduate.

At 19, Semmy Badenhop already programs machines that manufacture mission-critical aerospace components. He works at Ann Arbor-based Zero Hour Parts as a CNC programmer and junior cell lead while carrying a full-time course load at WCC, training for fields with strong workforce demand across Michigan and the nation.

for students to reach a six-figure income in the right position, especially with experience and overtime.”

TOP TRAINING PROGRAM

Badenhop helped lead WCC to a Top 16 finish in the National Advanced Manufacturing Competition Series, a nationwide Project MFG contest showcasing elite skilled-trades talent.

After graduating next year, he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan or Michigan State University. For now, he is focused on gaining as much hands-on experience as possible.

I’ve learned a lot about managing my “I’ve learned a lot about managing time and energy, and my time and energy, and the staff at WCC have been great at guid- the staff at WCC have “I feel like if every engineer had to ing me through it,” says the 2025 been great at guiding spend a few years making the parts Saline High School graduate. they design, they’d become much me through." better engineers,” he says.

HIGH-DEMAND, HIGH-WAGE

WCC offers two advanced manufacturing pathways focused on either Robotics and Automated Systems or Precision Machining and Fabrication.

“Both degrees are highly sought after and show strong wage potential here in Michigan,” says Andy DuBuc, advanced manufacturing instructor. “It’s not uncommon 8 wccnet.edu/enroll

CAREER OUTLOOK: Advanced Manufacturing

v Role: CNC machining, robotics and automation

v Outlook: Growing demand driven by automation, manufacturing expansion v Salary: $50,000–$70,000 entry; $100,000+ experienced

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REAL SKILLS. REAL CAREERS. REAL IMPACT.

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EARN WHILE YOU LEARN Meet Xavier Bethea

avier Bethea won’t soon forget May 21, 2024 — the day he interviewed with Toyota Research & Development and learned he had been accepted into Washtenaw Community College’s Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) student-apprentice program.

Just two years later, the WCC graduate is a full-time software technician in Toyota’s Integrated Vehicle Systems Division.

While apprenticing at Toyota and studying Mechatronics, Robotics & Automated Systems at WCC, Bethea developed a software tool to help engineers analyze automated driving systems data more efficiently.

The application combines videos, signal graphs, GPS data and event files into a single screen, replacing a slower process that required evaluators to switch between multiple tools.

The project recently won the People's Choice Award at a national FAME competition and is now used by Toyota North America and Toyota Motor Europe.

Xavier Bethea recently won the People's Choice Award at the FAME USA National Conference for an app he developed for Toyota that slashes vehicle performance reporting time.

Meg Wallace, Senior Engineer at Toyota North America, says WCC students in the FAME program learn mechatronics along with “professional behaviors” such as presentation skills, punctuality, safe-work practices and structured problem solving.

Wallace calls Bethea “an outstanding student at WCC” who was also “diligent and innovative” on the job, adding that Toyota is proud to have hired him full-time.

“My role is expanding beyond software development to support technicians and help streamline operations,” Bethea says. “I’m excited to keep learning and finding new ways to solve problems.” wccnet.edu/enroll

CAREER OUTLOOK: Mechatronics & Vehicle Systems

v Role: Supports advanced vehicle technologies

v Outlook: Strong demand with growing automation, mobility and intelligent vehicle systems v Salary: ~$60,000–$130,000+ depending on specialization and experience.

Read more about Xavier Bethea's pathway at wccnet.edu/news 9

REAL SKILLS. REAL CAREERS. REAL IMPACT.

EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION DUANE MOSS

More than four decades after enrolling at Washtenaw Community College, Duane Moss still sees the impact WCC had on his life and career.

neering and robotics as a Career and Technical Education instructor, helping students develop technical and problem-solving skills through hands-on learning.

After graduating from Milan High School in 1983, Moss entered WCC’s Architectural Drafting program before discovering his true calling in education. He transferred to Eastern Michigan University, earning degrees in Industrial Arts Education and Educational Technology.

Each fall, he brings students to WCC’s Manufacturing Day, connecting classroom lessons to college and career opportunities.

Now in his 31st year with the Chelsea School District, Moss teaches engi-

“My experience at WCC played a significant role in both my success and my decision to pursue a career in education,” he says.

Photo credit: J.D. Scott

Michigan schools and early childhood centers face a growing shortage of qualified educators. Through innovative partnerships, affordable tuition and flexible transfer pathways, Washtenaw Community College is strengthening Michigan’s educator pipeline and helping future teachers enter — or return to — the classroom.

CAREER OUTLOOK: Education v Outlook: Strong demand as Michigan works to address educator shortages statewide v Salary: $80,000-$100,000+, depending on district and experience

SHANNON BLACK

Photo credit: J.D. Scott

For Shannon Black, becoming a teacher began while babysitting as a student at Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti.

10 wccnet.edu/enroll

After attending WCC part time while working full time, Black stepped away during the pandemic before returning in 2026 through the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative 3+1 partnership between WCC and Northern Michigan University.

Today, she works full time as a lead preschool teacher at Adventure Launch Fall 2026

Center in Ypsilanti while continuing her education toward a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification.

“I want to be the best kind of teacher for my students,” she says.

“Being in the program already, I’ve learned so much from my fellow educators and instructors.”

Balancing work and school isn't easy, but Black says the flexibility of WCC’s online, hybrid and evening classes has made it possible.

REAL SKILLS. REAL CAREERS. REAL IMPACT.

As cyberattacks continue to increase, organizations need more trained professionals to prevent, detect and respond to digital threats.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for information security analysts is projected to grow 29% through 2034, generating roughly 16,000 job openings annually.

DEFENDING THE DIGITAL WORLD

WCC STUDENT SCOTT COCHRAN FINDS PURPOSE IN CYBERSECURITY

Photo credit: J.D. Scott

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urrent WCC student Scott Cochran has already found career success working in the Cybersecurity field even before completing his degree.

Cochran, an Ypsilanti resident, decided to change careers and pursue an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Cybersecurity after seeing firsthand how damaging a cyberattack can be.

Recognizing the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, Cochran found WCC's curriculum closely aligns with industry needs.

“There is a persistent skills gap in this industry for security professionals who genuinely understand networking, so any program that takes it seriously is doing its students a real service,” says Cochran, who will complete his degree in 2026.

The flexible, online structure of WCC's Cybersecurity program was a major draw for Cochran and has allowed him to continue working full-time while also earning industry certifications in CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900).

He'll continue to pursue advanced industry certifications.

Through coursework in networking, systems security and threat detection, Cochran developed the technical foundation that has helped him advance into the field and earn industry certifications.

Recently hired as a Cybersecurity Analyst at Karhu Cyber, a managed security services provider, he is tasked with building out and taking ownership of the Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) department.

“I wanted to become the person who could stand between cyber criminals and the people who don't know how to defend against them.

That's still what drives me.”

CAREER OUTLOOK: Cybersecurity v Role: Cybersecurity analyst, network security specialist, security operations analyst v Demand: 16,000 annual openings; 29% growth through 2034 v Salary: $60,000–$80,000 starting; $100,000+ with experience wccnet.edu/enroll

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STEM ST STEM STARS

From the laboratory to the launch pad, STEM careers are transforming how we live, work and connect. At WCC, students are preparing for futures in fields ranging from biomedical research and advanced manufacturing to robotics, mobility and aerospace.

For Allison Hollingshead and Oumou Kane, that journey began in WCC classrooms and will continue at the University of Michigan, where both are pursuing engineering degrees and ambitious career goals.

SMART START TO AUTOMOTIVE INNOVATION For Oumou Kane, WCC became the ideal place to pursue engineering without the financial pressure of a large university.

After beginning college at Michigan State University, Kane chose to continue her education at WCC, where she found smaller classes, personalized support and meaningful opportunities to grow as a leader and STEM student.

A STEM Scholars participant, Student Ambassador and member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at WCC, Kane has taken advantage of opportunities that extended far beyond the classroom.

Through programs such as NextGeneration Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, she explored research pathways, mentorship opportunities and attended a STEM conference in San Diego.

Your starting point doesn't limit your success."

As a Student Ambassador,

Now graduated from WCC and preparing to transfer to the University of Michigan College of Engineering for mechanical engineering, Kane says WCC gave her a strong academic foundation and helped her gain confidence.

Her goal is to create impactful solutions in the automotive industry.

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she often shares her own experience with prospective students and families, emphasizing that WCC offers both affordability and a supportive learning environment.

“Your starting point doesn’t limit your success,” says Kane after recently meeting Blue Origin astronaut and STEM entrepreneur Aisha Bowe, who got her start at WCC.

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STEM STARS

A Launching Pad For Engineers

CAREER OUTLOOK: STEM Careers v Fields: Engineering, computer science, healthcare technology, research, advanced manufacturing and more v Outlook: STEM jobs projected to grow 8.1% through 2034 v Opportunity: More than 36 million Americans work in STEM occupations v Salary: Median annual wage is approximately $103,600

BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE TO IMPROVE LIVES

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s the first recipient of the Aisha Bowe scholarship, Allison Hollingshead understands the significance of following a path blazed by someone she deeply admires.

After graduating from WCC, Hollingshead transferred to the University of Michigan and is now studying biomedical engineering.

She credits WCC’s small class sizes, supportive instructors and strong foundation in math and science with preparing her for the rigor of engineering coursework at U-M. “I didn’t feel like I was starting from behind,” she says. “WCC gave me the base that I needed to keep growing academically.”

Hollingshead completed 67 transferable credits at WCC while saving significantly on tuition and participating in research through U-M’s Community College Summer Fellowship Program.

WCC gave me the base that I needed to keep growing academically." lab studying shoulder neuromuscular control after breast reconstruction surgery. She later presented her findings at U-M's Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Summer Symposium.

Inspired by Bowe’s example, Hollingshead hopes to use engineering to improve quality of life through innovations in healthcare and prosthetics.

There, she worked in a musculoskeletal biomedical imaging wccnet.edu/enroll

STUDENT & ALUMNI SUCCESS

Reatta Jefferson: Charting New Career, Purpose in Patient Care

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support vulnerable senior citizens through a fuel delivery service directly to their homes.

She was drawn to Washtenaw has the WCC’s Radiography best program, It preprogram because “I pares you not only to wanted the best, and pass the exam, but WCC has a 98% pass rate on the certification for a career.” exam. The program prepares you not only to pass the exam, but for a career.”

CAREER OUTLOOK: Medical Dosimetrist

eatta Jefferson’s path to healthcare has been shaped by both personal experience and a desire to serve others. After navigating family loss, health challenges and caring for her grandmother while raising two children, she made the decision to return to school.

Jefferson’s confidence is reinforced as a part-time imaging assistant at Corewell Health. “When I tell them I’m at Washtenaw, they say, ‘You’ll be well prepared.’”

At WCC, she’s maintained a 3.91 GPA and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. A former truck driver with an entrepreneurial streak, Jefferson won the 2026 Student Pitch Competition for her business plan to

Ultimately, Jefferson plans to continue at Wayne State University in radiation therapy and become a medical dosimetrist.

v Role: Designs radiation treatment plans to target cancer safely v Outlook: Faster-thanaverage growth due to rising cancer care needs v Salary: ~$100,000 $140,000+ annually

FAN ZHANG: A Reason to S M WCC Program: Dental Assisting Certificate, 2024-2025 Job/Employer: Surgical Assistant, Michigan Oral Surgeons

Q: Describe your job.

A: During surgery, my duty is to assist the surgeon by providing appropriate instruments while monitoring the patient’s response. After surgery, I wake up the patient, bring family members into the treatment room, give them post-op instructions, then complete my records and send the prescription to the pharmacy.

The last step is to sanitize and prepare the treatment room for the next surgery.

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Q: How did WCC prepare you for a successful career?

A:This program has professional and dedicated instructors and provides high-quality equipment and materials for hands-on training. … Clinics use different radiographic equipment and materials, and duties vary slightly. Fortunately, I had been exposed to all these variations at WCC, so when I began my clinical rotations, none of the procedures felt unfamiliar to me.

Q: Future goals?

A: I am preparing for the Dental Anesthesia Assistant National Certification Examination. I am also honored to have had the opportunity to go back to the classroom in March with one of our surgeons to tell students about my experiences as a surgical assistant.

Dental assistants in Michigan earn a median salary of $46,806 with nearly 1,700 job openings annually.

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STUDENT & ALUMNI SUCCESS

VETERAN PROFILE: The Next Mission Starts Here

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Photo credit: Terry Jacoby

fter serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Roger William Smith II returned home looking for his next challenge. He found it at Washtenaw Community College.

Now preparing to graduate with a General Studies degree and transfer to the University of Michigan for electrical engineering, Smith credits WCC with helping him build a path from military service to a highdemand career.

His journey also brought him back into contact with Carol Osborne, Manager of Military and Veteran Services at WCC’s Wadhams Veteran Center. Osborne first inspired his interest in military service years earlier as his sixth-grade teacher.

ROGER WILLIAM SMITH II Branch: U.S. Marine Corps (2018-2022) Military Job: Radio Operator Deployed: Okinawa, Japan

Roger Smith wears his Marine Corps Recruit Depot training T-shirt alongside Carol Osborne, WCC's Manager of Military and Veteran Services.

Today, Osborne helps support more than 500 veteran and military-connected students and family members each year through the center’s academic, career and personal support services.

“My experience at WCC has been great,” Smith says.

“I’ve made friends, gotten support and had people here who really care.”

Read the full story at wccnet.edu/news

PARENT PERSPECTIVE: A Smart Start for Students & Families As families prepare for college, one question often rises above all others: “How can we provide the best education without taking on overwhelming debt?”

The answer starts at Washtenaw Community College.

For 60 years, WCC has helped students build bright futures through affordable, high-quality education that leads to university transfer opportunities and rewarding careers.

Today, the college honors that commitment by continuing to offer the lowest in-district tuition rate in the state for its county residents at $99 per credit.

The savings can be substantial. For example, tuition for a WCC student enrolled in 30 credit hours during the academic year is $2,970. wccnet.edu/enroll

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4800 East Huron River Drive Ann Arbor, MI 48105-4800

Millage Renewal August 4 Taxpayer investment in Washtenaw Community College has strengthened our workforce, fueled our economy and expanded opportunity across our community.

WCC’s impact is everywhere, in the nurses who care for us, the officers who protect us, the teachers who educate our children, the skilled trades and manufacturing professionals who build and power our region and the cybersecurity specialists who safeguard our digital world.

WCC is not just a college — it is Washtenaw County’s superpower.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS! This millage renewal provides essential support for WCC programs, student services, information technology, advanced equipment and training labs aligned with industry standards.

Washtenaw Community College is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate in its programs or activities.

For full legal and compliance details, visit wccnet.edu/disclosures.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MILLAGE RENEWAL: wccnet.edu/millage

Vote August 4

Washtenaw Community College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411; 800-621-7440; hlcommission.org.