2024-25 MCCA Leadership Academy Cohort

MARY EAGAN

Alpena Community College

Director of Alumni Relations

Prefered Name: Mary
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Mary Eagan leads the Alpena Community College Office of Alumni Relations following a long career in mass communication and broadcasting. A graduate of ACC, Mary earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Iowa and is finishing up her master’s degree in strategic communication there. Mary is a gifted writer who excels in telling the stories of ACC’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni. She is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of a community college education, especially for nontraditional students like she was.

JIM COUSINO

Bay College

Dean of Business & Technology

Prefered Name: Jim

James Cousino has a diverse background in engineering, public safety, and higher education. After 20 years in engineering and project management, they transitioned to public service as a paramedic, firefighter, and police officer with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department. He spent ten years at North Central Michigan College, where they served as Dean of Career and Technical Education before joining Bay College as Dean of Business, Technology, and Workforce.

JESSICA VAN SLOOTEN

Bay College

Dean of Arts and Sciences

Prefered Name: Jessica
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Jessica Van Slooten is Dean of Arts and Sciences at Bay College. A first-generation college student and native of West Michigan, Jessica earned degrees in English from Alma College (BA), Michigan State University (MA), and Auburn University (Ph.D). She taught first-year writing, literature, and women’s/gender studies courses at the University of Wisconsin-Manitowoc/University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for fourteen years. She brings her expertise in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) to her current role, searching for ways to create more effective, humane instructional environments for learners and instructors.

DAVID HOPKINS

Delta College

Dean of Transfer Programs and Online Learning

Prefered Name: David
He/Him/His

Dr. David Hopkins has served in a variety of roles in higher education, including adjunct and FT faculty, department chair, and dean. Dr. Hopkins has been at Delta College in his current role as Dean of Transfer Programs and Online Learning for a little over a year, coming from Midland College in Texas where he had worked since 2015. Dr. Hopkins has an MA and PhD in History from Wayne State University, a BA in History from Michigan State University, and an Associate in Arts degree from Delta College.

DENISE DEVRIES

Glen Oaks Community College

Executive Director of Communications & Marketing

Prefered Name: Denise
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

As Executive Director of Communications and Marketing at Glen Oaks Community College, Denise DeVries manages all external and internal communication efforts, develops strategic marketing campaigns to drive enrollment, fosters community engagement, and strengthens the college's brand. Denise also manages GOCC’s website, social media presence, and promotional materials. She has over 25 years of marketing and leadership experience and holds a BSBA from Bowling Green State University.

KAREN BALL

Gogebic Community College

Registrar

Prefered Name: Karen
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Karen Ball is the Registrar and Transfer Coordinator at Gogebic Community College. As a committed leader in education, Karen strives to cultivate the conditions necessary to support innovation and transformation in educational systems. She has spent the last 20 years in higher education in various roles that serve students and promote student success. Her start as a first generation college student in a community college sparked her interest in math education.

LAKISHA BECK

Grand Rapids Community College

Registrar

Prefered Name: Lakisha
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Lakisha D. Beck started working as a student employee at Grand Rapids Community College over 20 years ago. Her career at GRCC included positions in Student Records as a graduation specialist, systems functional analyst, assistant registrar-graduation, interim associate registrar, and she now serves as Registrar.

After earning her degree from GRCC, Lakisha knew continuing her education was key to career advancement and transferred to Ferris State University, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in 2016. In 2019 she earned her Master of Education from Grand Valley State University.

Lakisha volunteers on a variety of campus-wide committees including Co-Chair College Articulation Committee MACRAO, lead on Pronoun Committee, standing member on CAP 3.4: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Fundamentals Team, and lead on Academic Standing Committee.

CAMERON BUCK

Grand Rapids Community College

Executive Director of Lakeshore Campus

Prefered Name: Cameron
He/Him/His
LinkedIn

Cameron Buck serves as the Executive Director for Grand Rapids Community College’s Lakeshore Campus in Holland, MI. Cameron came to GRCC in 2023 after serving as the Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency. Cameron has 20 years’ experience in secondary education and has served in a leadership capacity for Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and Kent Intermediate School District. Cameron is passionate about career development, ensuring that learners have well-defined career pathway plans designed to meet the needs of the community.

MALLORY FRAILING

Jackson College

Enterprise Applications System Administrator

Prefered Name: Mallory
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Mallory Frailing is the Enterprise Applications System Administrator for Jackson College. Prior to moving into the IT field, she worked at Jackson College in Student Services as the Assistant Director of Admissions for Off-Campus Programs. Mallory enjoys working to solve problems and has immensely enjoyed working in IT. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administraton from Adrian College and her Master's Degree in Business Administration from Tiffin University.

LIZ SNELL

Jackson College

Student Judicial Officer

Prefered Name: Liz
She/Her/Hers

Liz Snell is the Student Judicial Officer at Jackson College, where she has been employed for eight years. She has over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She received her doctoral degree from Colorado Technical University in Management, concentrating on non-profit leadership.

ERIN DOMINIANNI

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Associate Director of Marketing

Prefered Name: Erin
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Erin Dominianni is a marketing and communications professional with more than 25 years of experience in project and event management, content development, copywriting and editing across a variety of platforms. For the last 12 years she's been in various marketing roles at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She currently serves as the associate director of marketing, where she creates and implements communication strategies for various college departments and initiatives, including enrollment in the college's credit and non-credit workforce development programs.

AARON WILLIAMS JR.

Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Academic & Career Pathway Advisor - Athletic Liaison

Prefered Name: Aaron

Aaron Williams currently serves as one of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Academic & Career Pathway Advisors. Aaron has committed his life to both learning and applying leadership skills while empowering young adults. His passion, experience and education has equipped him to mentor his sphere of influence with effective leadership strategies for everyday living. His sphere of influence has ranged from the local streets of Lansing and Kalamazoo to state and local government, nonprofit organizations, local elementary, middle and high schools, and now higher education.

One of Aaron's life goals is that every person he mentors and invests in has a clear picture of their value, their purpose, and effectively leads in their sphere of influence.

BRADLEY FULLER

Kellogg Community College

Director, Institutional Facilities

Prefered Name: Brad
LinkedIn

Bradley Fuller is the Director, Institutional Facilities at Kellogg Community College. He has been with the college for 15 years. Bradley's experience started in technical support and spans various k-12 and community college settings, working in education for the majority of his career. Bradley has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Siena Heights University and is a Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP).

TAMARA MORGAN

Kellogg Community College

Scholarship and Event Manager

Prefered Name: Tammy
She/Her/Hers

Tammy Morgan joined the KCC Foundation in the role of Scholarship and Event Manager in 2023. She earned an associate degree from KCC and a B.A. in Management and Organizational Development and M.A. of Arts in Organizational Management, both from Spring Arbor University.

Tammy brings over twenty-one years of higher education and event experience, working with students in the Battle Creek community while she was employed at Spring Arbor University and Western Michigan University.

KEMMOREE DUNCOMBE

Kirtland Community College

Director of Financial Aid

Prefered Name: Kemmoree
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Kemmoree Duncombe is currently serving as the Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Certifying Official at Kirtland Community College, bringing over 20 years of experience to the role. Her extensive journey in financial aid began at Andrews University, where she advanced from Financial Aid Advisor to Senior Financial Aid Advisor and Veterans Certifying Official.

In addition to her role at Kirtland, Kemmoree is the President of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association, underscoring her leadership within the field.

Her academic credentials include a bachelor's degree in Finance and a master's degree in Administration from Andrews University. Kemmoree’s commitment to student success, combined with her wealth of experience, makes her a trusted leader and passionate advocate for higher education accessibility and affordability.

AMY ROY

Kirtland Community College

Director of Nursing and Allied Health

Prefered Name: Amy
LinkedIn

Amy Roy is the current Director of Nursing and Allied Health at Kirtland Community College, where she has served for two years as the Director of Nursing and Allied Health and the previous seven years as full-time faculty. Amy has been a nurse for 19 years, and earned her Master's of Science in Nursing Education from Saginaw Valley State University.

JOHN BECK

Lake Michigan College

Chemistry Instructor and Chair of Natural Sciences, Exercise Science, and Wellness

Prefered Name: John
He/Him/His
LinkedIn

John Beck is a Chemistry Instructor and Chair of the Natural Sciences, Exercise Science, and Wellness Department at Lake Michigan College. He has been a faculty member for 11 years and has served as department chair for five years. Dedicated to student success, John has contributed to multiple initiatives, including student-friendly scheduling and guided pathways. He currently chairs the College Curriculum Committee. John holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Toledo.

J.R. BEAUBOEUF

Lansing Community College

Director of Risk Management & Legal Services

Prefered Name: J.R.

Bio informaton coming soon.

LAYNE INGRAM

Lansing Community College

Chief of Staff

Prefered Name: Layne
He/Him/His
LinkedIn

Layne Ingram is Chief of Staff at Lansing Community College, where he drives strategic initiatives, streamlines operations, and fosters a collaborative environment to support the institution's mission. With more than 11 years in higher education administration, Layne brings a wealth of experience in project management, process development, events, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. His passion for inclusive education and community development guides his efforts to enhance student success and institutional effectiveness. He is committed to leveraging innovative solutions and leadership principles to further collective goals and ensure a vibrant, equitable future for college communities.

RACHEL DUFF

Macomb Community College

Director of Counseling, Academic Advising, Student Access Services and Programs

Prefered Name: Rachel
She/Her/Hers

Rachel Duff is the Director of Counseling, Academic Advising, Student Access Services and Success Programs at Macomb Community College where she has worked for the last 6 years. Rachel has never left college. From graduate school, she began her career in Admissions and has served in both the Student and Academic Affairs houses at two prior universities, developing First Year Experience programs, student persistence initiatives and serving as a Dean of Students. Rachel earned her MSW from the University of Michigan concentrating on community organization and mental health.

JILLIAN HUOT

Macomb Community College

Director of Accreditation and Program Review

Prefered Name: Jillian
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Jillian Huot, MBA, MPM, CAPM is the Director of Accreditation and Program Review at Macomb Community College and serves as the College’s Accreditation Liaison Officer to the Higher Learning Commission. She has worked in higher education since 2010 and has served in many roles including as admissions advisor, an academic and financial aid advisor, a learning outcomes assessment specialist, and an instructor of project management.

Jillian has earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Central Michigan University, a Master in Business Administration, a Master in Project Management, and graduate certificates in both project management and business administration from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. She is a Certified Associate in Project Management and contributed to the creation of the National Survey of Accreditation Liaisons through the Institute for Effectiveness in Higher Education.

LISA GARDNER

Montcalm Community College

Director of Student Success & Advising

Prefered Name: Lisa
She/Her/Hers

Lisa Gardner has served as the Director of Student Success & Advising for Montcalm Community College since 2011. She is a MCC alumni and has worked at the college since 2002. She earned her bachelor’s in business administration from Northwood University and a master's in Career & Technical Education from Ferris State University.

MICHELLE NELSON

Macomb Community College

Dean of Student Success

Prefered Name: Michelle
She/Her/Hers

Dr. Nelson has nearly two decades of experience in higher education administration, including teaching, research and student services. Her comprehensive understanding of the academic landscape and her deep commitment to supporting student success have enabled her to make significant positive impacts in the lives of countless students. A recipient of the King-Chavez Parks Future Faculty program, she holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Oakland University, an MBA in Strategic Management from Davenport, and a B.A. in Political Science and French from Alma College.

ROD REYES

Mott Community College

Full Time Faculty

Prefered Name: Rod

Rod joined Mott Community College as a full time faculty member teaching Early Childhood Education in the fall of 2016. In 2022, Rod also became the program coordinator. He works with the college on accreditation, course scheduling, budgeting and community partnerships. Rod’s previous work experience includes working in Head Start from 1999-2015 and as adjunct faculty at Baker College and Oakland Community College. Rod completed his Master’s Degree from Oakland University, Bachelor of Science from Rochester College and a Child Development Associate credential from Mott Community College.

STACY SEELEY

Mott Community College

Dean of Arts and Sciences

Prefered Name: Stacy
She/Her/Hers

Stacy Seeley is the Dean of Arts and Sciences at Mott Community College and oversees Mathematics, Sciences, and Social Sciences. She has served in this role since August of 2022. Prior to MCC, she worked at Kettering University for 23 years. She was a faculty member in the Chemistry Department and served as the Department Chair of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Applied Biology, and Chemical Engineering for 13 years. Stacy earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Central Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Massachusetts.

SUE SAMANIEGO

Muskegon Community College

Chief Advancement Officer

Prefered Name: Sue
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Sue Samaniego serves as Chief Advancement Officer for Muskegon Community College. A first-generation student who attended college with donor-supported scholarships, Sue connects the generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses with opportunities to provide excellent educational opportunities to others. Sue has Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from Eastern Michigan University in Special Education and Speech-Language Pathology (her first career). More recently, she earned certificates in Non-Profit Management from the University of Illinois – Chicago and High-Performance Leadership from Cornell University. Since December 2021, Sue has been recognized as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).

MEGAN BYLSMA

Northwestern Michigan College

Major Gifts Officer

Prefered Name: Megan
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Megan Bylsma joined the team at the Northwestern Michigan College Foundation in August of 2023, currently serving as a Major Gifts Officer. Prior to her work at Northwestern Michigan College, Megan served as the Director of Operations for the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts and Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University for 9 years.

LINDSEY LIPKE

Northwestern Michigan College

Controller

Prefered Name: Lindsey
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Lindsey Lipke is the Controller at Northwestern Michigan College where she has worked for 9 years, working her way from a bookkeeping position into the controller position. Prior to Northwestern Michigan College, Lindsey worked in the governmental and non-profit accounting sector. She has her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Ferris State University and her Master's Degree in Finance from Harvard University.

KRISTIN CAREY-LI

Oakland Community College

Director of College Strategy

Prefered Name: Kristin
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Kristin has worked in higher education for eighteen years, including roles in academic advising, program development, holistic student support, grant management, student learning assessment, institutional report writing, and strategic planning. She is passionate about the role that education plays in equity, economic mobility, and civic engagement. Kristin holds a Bachelors in English and Linguistics from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

LAUREN LOWE

Schoolcraft College

Community Outreach & Business Operations Manager

Prefered Name: Lauren
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Lauren serves as the Outreach and Business Operations Manager for the Conference and Event Services Department at Schoolcraft College, managing a diverse team of full-time and on-call staff to provide guest experiences for a range of events—from external business meetings/expos and internal departmental gatherings to athletic events and student-focused activities. Lauren excels in managing outreach initiatives and cultivating valuable partnerships and spearheaded a rebranding project for the center, significantly transforming its brand identity.

In addition to her outreach responsibilities, Lauren oversees the billing process for facility contracts and prepares financial reports. Her role requires a blend of strategic vision and hands-on expertise, making her a key contributor to the success of both operational and outreach functions within Conference and Event Services.

MEGAN MONTHEI

Schoolcraft College

Director of Marketing

Prefered Name: Megan
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

With over six years of experience, Megan Monthei excels as the Social Media and Events Manager at Schoolcraft College. She expertly manages all social media platforms, optimizing engagement and reach through strategic campaigns. Megan collaborates with college departments to develop marketing plans, promotes programs, and manages events, including commencement and community outreach. Her role includes assisting the president's office with special projects, contributing to the successful execution of key initiatives.

JESSICA BROWN

St. Clair County Community College

Chief Diversity Officer

Prefered Name: Jessica
She/Her/Hers
LinkedIn

Jessica Brown is the Chief Diversity Officer at St. Clair County Community College. With more than two decades of experience in higher education, she works to develop a comprehensive and cross-functional emphasis on DEIB issues. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's in Strategic Management from Davenport University. Jessica oversees the TRIO Student Support Services Program, which works with first-generation and other high-risk college students to support them throughout their college careers. She also oversees Disability Resources and Student Wellness departments, leads the college's Global Diversity Advisory Council, and is a member of the MCCA DEIB committee.

JESSICA SMITH

St. Clair County Community College

Executive Director of Business Services

Prefered Name: Jessica
She/Her/Hers

Jessica Smith is the Executive Director of Business Services at St. Clair County Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree in arts and sciences. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Walsh College. Jessica began her career at the college in 2009 and has become a proven leader in several campus departments through her tireless efforts. She enjoys working collaboratively to coordinate large-scale projects and campus initiatives. Strong communication and a positive attitude have been a staple in Jessica’s success.

THOMAS ALWAY

West Shore Community College

Director of Information Technology

Prefered Name: Tom
LinkedIn

Thomas Alway is the Director of Information Technology at West Shore Community College, where he has been employed for 9 years. Prior to WSCC, he worked for a casino as the Technical Services Manager and as General Manager for an audio-visual systems integrator. Thomas holds a Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management. He also serves as the township supervisor, is on the board of the local county Farm Bureau, and serves on the worship team at his church.

JESSICA KEITH

West Shore Community College

HR Specialist

Prefered Name: Jessica

Jessica Keith is the Human Resources Specialist at West Shore Community College. Jessica started working at WSCC in April of 2016, and moved into her current Human Resources role in November of 2019. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Grand Valley State University, and recently received her SHRM-CP certification from the Society of Human Resources Management. She currently sits on the board of the Michigan Community College Human Resources Association as the Secretary. Jessica is grateful for opportunities to further her growth as a professional and is happy to be a part of the mission to educate students and help lead them to future success.