Editor’s Note: “Center Stage” is a new feature that highlights news of interest from around our College for Professional Studies degree completion centers statewide and online program.

Siena Heights Opens New Center at Henry Ford College

On May 13, 2014, Siena Heights University opened a new University Center at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Mich. This is the first new SHU location since 2004. “Siena Heights University is pleased to expand its presence in metro Detroit with its partnership with HFC,” said SHU President Sister Peg Albert, OP, PhD. “By allowing Siena Heights to offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs on its campus, HFC is providing even more opportunities for students to continue their education on the Dearborn campus,” she added. “Our collaboration with Siena Heights University on this new University Center will serve as a model for future endeavors like this, and provides a strong foundation for increased student success,” said HFC President Stan Jensen. “Providing students the opportunity to complete their first years of college at HFC and save money, then work toward their bachelor’s degree on campus at a high-quality four-year institution like Siena Heights gives them the best of both worlds.” SHU’s office is located in the Welcome Center on the HFC campus.

Battle Creek

Shane Horn ’04 (left) was appointed the city administrator for the city of Adrian in March 2014. Horn previously served as utilities director for the city. He began with the city in 1992 as a wastewater treatment plant operator, was promoted to water plant superintendent and was then appointed utilities director in 2007.

Benton Harbor

December 2013 Benton Harbor campus graduates Kay Chalus and Sara Skinner have a little photo fun at the College for Professional Studies welcome center on graduation day. Kay works in the financial aid area at Lake Michigan College and Sara is the assistant registrar at LMC.

Jackson

2014 graduate of the Jackson campus, George Bartus, is pictured left with Gail Ryder, (left) associate professor of Humanities and Deb Carter (right), Dean for the College for Professional Studies at the Jackson graduation reception at Bella Notte Restaurant on May 1, 2014.

Lansing

Dane Conyers, a 2013 graduate of Siena Heights University’s Lansing center, died Jan. 13, 2014. The Professional Communication major was active in his community as a youth basketball and football coach for over 25 years, according to his obituary. He was also the owner of Krispy Kicks Klothing and previously worked for the state of Michigan, YMCA, Finish Line and Dogs & Stuff Catering. He posthumously received the Outstanding Adult Learner Award during a ceremony April 16 at Cooley Law School in Lansing, Mich. Assistant Director of SHU’s Lansing Office Amy Keel (left) and Dean of the College for Professional Studies Deborah Carter (far right) helped present the award to his family (right).

Monroe

Veteran SHU professor Mike Connell was awarded this year’s Faculty of the Year Award at SHU’s Monroe campus. He has taught for SHU on multiple campuses in its undergraduate and graduate programs in areas like human resources, leadership, labor relations and organizational behavior. He brings real-world expertise to the classroom and is a student favorite. He is pictured (left) with Monroe Assistant Director Julie Edwards. Julie Edwards ’07, ’09/MA was recently named the chair of the Monroe County Community College Alumni Association’s Board of Directors. Edwards is currently the assistant director of SHU’s MCCC Center and previously served as vice president of the Alumni Association. In addition, Liesel Riggs ’06 joined the MCCC Alumni Association Board in 2014. She serves as a senior communications specialist in SHU’s marketing office. Online Online student Shirley Grim and her husband (above) traveled to Adrian for graduation from Greenville, Pa. She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Online

Online student Shirley Grim and her husband (right) traveled to Adrian for graduation from Greenville, Pa. She completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology.

Southfield

Rhonda Powell ’05 was named the new director of the Macomb County Community Services Agency on Feb. 3, 2014. Powell formerly worked as director of the Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team, was the associate director of South Oakland Shelter and had academic leadership roles with Edison and Mount Clemens Community schools. She also was deputy director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging and director of Macomb County’s Department of Senior Citizen Services, now known as the Office of Senior Services. Powell is a board member of Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township and chairs their sub-committee on diversity and inclusion. She is a member of the One Macomb workgroup, recently established to encourage and highlight diversity in Macomb County.