News

Tuesday, August 18, 2020

MCC welcomes several new employees

 

Six full-time employees have recently joined Montcalm Community College, bringing diverse experience to the organization.

Todd Adkins, 54, of Grand Rapids, joined MCC as a full-time Social Science Instructor on Aug. 1. Adkins has a doctoral degree in political science from the University of Notre Dame, where he also served as a professor. He has also taught at Southwest Michigan College (SMC). Adkins has extensive experience serving in politics, having worked in 39 of our nation’s state capitals in the political and governmental affairs arenas.

Adkins said he looks forward to working to advance the mission of the college.

“When I taught in the community college setting, it was the most personally rewarding experience I have ever had. I consider myself an instructor always. I think of myself as a mentor, a guide and a coach,” he said.

Josiah Morgan-Crater, 24, of Stanwood, joined MCC’s Information Technology Services Department as its new Service Desk Lead on Aug. 17. In his position, he helps oversee the college’s service desk, service tickets, scheduling and technology support for events, and supporting classroom technology needs. At MCC, he previously was a part-time Service Desk Technician for two years and most recently worked in the college’s Communications Department as a Graphic Design Assistant. He has experience in computer support technology and information systems, as well as graphic design, video production and other areas.

“I have always enjoyed the sense of community that MCC projects and the sense of the work family I have experienced over the years. I appreciate the culture at MCC,” Morgan-Crater said.

Emily Dimet, 36, of Stanton, joined MCC June 23 as the college’s Admissions Representative. In this role, she works with the college’s recruiting team, connecting with potential and new students to help them get started at MCC.

Dimet has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University and is working on her Master of Science in Administration (MSA) at Central Michigan University (CMU). Her most recent position was at CMU where she worked as a Graduate Assistant in the International Outreach and Recruitment department.

Dimet said MCC has been the starting point for higher education for herself, her family and friends.

“The college and its staff is truly invested in creating opportunities and offering high quality education for this community,” she said. “It is my pleasure to be a part of that mission.”

Brian Gardner, 47, of Sheridan, recently was named the Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology Program Coordinator for MCC’s agriculture programs. He will work with recruiting and retention of agriculture students in the programs offered by MSU at MCC.

Gardner has served as fair coordinator for Gratiot County Fair for Youth for the last 13 years. During that time, he helped create connections and partnerships with the agriculture community so the fair can better serve its youth exhibitors, as well as recruiting volunteers, supporters and youth exhibitors. Prior to that, he served three years at MCC as the development officer and more than six years as the Montcalm County 4-H Youth Educator. Gardner has personal agriculture experience in the Standardbred horse racing industry.

Gardner said he is excited to work directly with students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

“I am looking forward to helping bridge the research based educational strength of MSU with the exceptional student focused education at MCC to help provide the next generation of agriculture professionals and farmers the degree, education and tools they need to find the career they desire,” he said.

Jennifer Stimson, 31, of St. Louis, joined MCC June 1 as its Financial Aid Coordinator. In her position, she packages and awards student financial aid, administers Satisfactory Academic Progress and reconciles the federal aid programs with the Department of Education. Previously, Stimson was employed in the banking industry for eight years, where she worked with auditors, rules and regulations. Most recently, she was an office manager for a Farm Bureau Insurance agent.

Stimson said she appreciates becoming part of the MCC family.

“I am excited to be part of MCC’s culture. MCC has a small-town feel to it where everyone knows everyone,” she said.

Chelsea Sunderlin, 36, of Six Lakes, joined the MCC Maintenance Department July 13 as a full-time custodian. She previously worked with the department in a part-time custodian position since August 2019. Sunderlin said she has had a passion for cleaning since she was a young child. Prior to joining MCC, she cleaned professional offices for three years for Luxury Janitorial Services.

“I am thrilled to be part of the MCC team,” Sunderlin said. “MCC has so many great people, many of which I consider to be lifelong friends. I plan on making a career out of the position I am currently in as a master of the custodial arts.”