When I stepped into the role of President at Bay College, I embraced the immense responsibility and opportunity to lead a rural institution dedicated to education and community growth. In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Bay College serves as a cornerstone for the region, offering accessible education, workforce development, and personal enrichment for our students and the community.

Adapting to rural leadership as an African American woman was a cultural shift. Moving from a metropolitan area to a rural community, I expected changes and shifts to transpire personally and professionally. There are intentional connections within a rural community, which I learned as I began to meet with key stakeholders. I immediately realized how deep the connections were and how the college was the nucleus of those relationships.

As I reflect on my journey, my vision remains clear: to create a campus rooted in its mission of student success, community success, and a culture of success. This vision drives every decision we make, from crafting strategic plans to fostering an environment that champions data transparency, accountability, and inclusion.

Strategic Plans for a Stronger Future
To align with our mission, we developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan that, at the foundation, is rooted in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). These plans are not just documents but roadmaps for transforming Bay College into an institution that thrives on intentionality and collaboration. This holistic integration champions an educational model that stems from five strategic pillars:
● Amplify Institutional Value & Brand Identity
● Design a Holistic Student Experience
● Cultivate a Culture of Care & Well-Being
● Build Industry Responsive Partnerships
● Adopt Future- Ready Technology

The strategic plan focuses on elevating academic quality, enhancing operational efficiency, and building stronger connections with our community. In addition, the college is developing an innovative approach to enrollment management, ensuring access to education for all learners while fostering student persistence and success by creating a strategic enrollment management (SEM) plan.

Both plans emphasize our commitment to inclusivity, adaptability, and measurable outcomes—ensuring that our initiatives are dynamic and responsive to the needs of our students and region.
Fostering a Culture of Transparency and Accountability
At the heart of our transformation is a commitment to data transparency. By making data accessible to employees, we ensure everyone has a role in shaping Bay College’s future. This approach empowers faculty, staff, and administration to make data-informed decisions, fostering accountability and encouraging collaboration across departments.
Transparency also serves as a foundation for trust. Sharing key performance indicators, enrollment metrics, and student success data keeps our campus community aligned and focused on common goals. When everyone understands where we stand and where we are headed, we can collectively celebrate our successes and tackle challenges head-on.

Organizational Changes for Greater Impact
To effectively implement these plans, we undertook significant organizational restructuring. These changes ensure that Bay College operates with efficiency, agility, and purpose. By streamlining processes, clarifying roles, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration, we have built a foundation for sustainable growth and innovation.

However, structural changes alone are not enough. Changing the campus culture has been equally critical. I have worked to cultivate an environment where every team member feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute. Through open forums, professional development opportunities, and intentional communication, we are building a culture that reflects our mission and values.

Driving Success through Mission-Centered Leadership
Our mission—student success, community success, and a culture of success—guides everything we do.
● Student Success: We have enhanced academic support, expanded co-curricular programming, and will invest in technology to improve the student experience.
● Community Success: By strengthening partnerships with local businesses and organizations, we align our programs with workforce needs and ensure our graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the regional economy to prepare for 21st-century workforce skills.
● Culture of Success: We have redefined what it means to succeed—not just achieving goals but also fostering a sense of belonging, resilience, and pride within our campus community.
Enrollment Growth: A Collaborative Opportunity

Growing enrollment in a rural area is both a challenge and an opportunity. By creating an SEM Plan, we are adopting innovative strategies to attract and retain students. From targeted marketing to flexible scheduling options and expanded delivery offerings, we are breaking down barriers to education.

Our focus on student retention and completion: By identifying at-risk students early and providing tailored support, we ensure that more learners achieve their goals and build brighter futures.

The Path Forward
The transformation at Bay College is ongoing, but our commitment to success remains unwavering. By aligning our strategic efforts, fostering a culture of transparency, and leveraging data for informed decision-making, we are paving the way for a brighter future—not just for our institution but for all the communities we serve.

I am proud to lead Bay College during this pivotal time and excited about what lies ahead. Together, as a campus community, we will continue to innovate, adapt, and fulfill our mission of empowering students and enriching our community.