Together@GRCC

In this episode, the host interviews Amy Huntington, associate dean of advising and student support at GRCC. Huntington discusses her approach to student success, drawing on more than a decade of experience in advising, mentoring and program leadership. She explains how her work focuses on understanding student needs, reducing barriers to access and building coordinated systems that support student persistence and completion. Huntington also addresses the importance of collaboration across departments, the role of empathy in advising and how institutional systems can contribute to a more equitable student experience. Her perspective underscores the role advising plays in helping students navigate college and develop a sense of belonging.

Welcome to Together@GRCC, the podcast created for GRCC staff. Hosted by Ryan Nausieda, each episode features interviews with staff, students and community members, highlighting the people and projects that make our campus thrive.In this first episode of a four-part conversation, the host interviews Dr. Kathryn Rogalski, president of Grand Rapids Community College. Focusing on her first 30 days, Dr. Rogalski reflects on listening, visibility and building trust across the GRCC community. She shares what she’s learning through conversations with staff, faculty and students, and what is beginning to define GRCC’s culture and identity from her perspective.Drawing on a career in student affairs, academic leadership and workforce development, Dr. Rogalski discusses how she approaches leadership in a new environment, emphasizing the importance of understanding before acting. She also highlights early moments that stand out as uniquely GRCC and worth preserving, and offers insight into the values and experiences that shape how she shows up as a leader.Don’t miss this first conversation in the series. Be sure to subscribe and share it with colleagues who want to stay connected to the GRCC community.

Welcome to Together@GRCC, the podcast created for GRCC staff. Hosted by Ryan Nausieda, each episode features interviews with staff, students and community members, highlighting the people and projects that make our campus thrive.In this episode of Together@GRCC, the host interviews D’Wayne Jenkins, dean of students at GRCC. He discusses his approach to student success, drawing on years of experience in advising, mentoring and leading student support initiatives across higher education. Jenkins shares how his work focuses on understanding student needs, building partnerships across campus and creating systems that help students persist and succeed. He also reflects on leadership, community and the role every employee plays insupporting students both inside and outside the classroom. Don’t miss this insightful conversation! Be sure to subscribe and share it with colleagues who want to stay connected to the GRCC community.

In this episode of Together@GRCC, the host interviews GRCC trustee Daniel Williams — president and CEO of the Steelcase Foundation — about putting community voices at the center of philanthropy and education. Williams reflects on lessons from co-founding Grand Rapids University Prep Academy and leading the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology, explaining how those experiences inform hispush for equitable access to learning. Tune in for a concise, insider look at how his board perspective and advocacy are helping GRCC amplify opportunity for every student.

In this episode of “Together@GRCC,” the host interviews Haley Kozal, program manager for GRCC’s Kellogg Pathways grant at the Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC. She dives into her workforce‑development initiatives, explaining how her passion for equity and community partnerships drives the grant’s training programs. Kozal unpacks what the Kellogg Pathways grant and M-TEC mean for students and employers, the systems she’s built to keep the program running smoothly and the success stories that remind her why this work matters.

In this episode of Together@GRCC, the host interviews Jonathan Marshall, director of guitar studies at GRCC. He shares his journey into classical guitar—from the spark that first inspired him to pick up the instrument to the realization that its intricate art form was his true calling. Marshall also discusses how studying under renowned musicians has shaped his career as a performer, composer and educator, while highlighting the unique opportunities offered through GRCC’s guitar programs such as the International Guitar Series and the Community Guitar Ensemble.

In this episode of Together@GRCC, the host interviews Julie Lackscheide, director for the radiologic technology program. She shares her journey into the field of radiologic technology, the impact of GRCC’s RT program, the skills students need to succeed and how the program prepares graduates for careers in health care. Lackscheide also discusses the admissions process, the program’s competitive nature and how GRCC stays ahead of industry changes.

In this episode of Together@GRCC, the host interviews Ashlee Mishler, the Promise Zone director. She shares her journey to the Promise Zone, what it offers to the community, the growth of her team, the importance of building trusted partnerships and expanding the program offerings.

In this episode of Together@GRCC, the host interviews Jonathan Wheeler, a support professional and theatre manager. He discusses his journey to the theatre department, the logistics of balancing two roles, how the theatre brings people together, the technology development in theatre and how all the moving parts come together to put on memorable shows.

In this episode of Together@GRCC, the host interviews Cameron Buck, dean of the Lakeshore Campus. Buck discusses what makes the Lakeshore community unique, the services available to students and the importance of understanding local needs to fulfill GRCC’s mission. Listeners can tune in for an insider’s perspective on how the Lakeshore Campus is making a lasting impact on its community.

Welcome to Together@GRCC, the biweekly podcast created for GRCC staff. Hosted by Ryan Nausieda, each episode features interviews with staff, students and community members, highlighting the people and projects that make our campus thrive. In this episode, Lori Cook, executive director of enrollment services, shares insights into her department, a typical day in enrollment services, the importance of finding answers and the impact of enrollment events. Don’t miss this engaging conversation! Be sure to subscribe and share it with colleagues who want to stay connected to our GRCC community.

Welcome to Together@GRCC, the biweekly podcast created for GRCC staff. Hosted by Ryan Nausieda, each episode features interviews with staff, students and community members, highlighting the people and projects that make our campus thrive. In this episode, Whitney Marsh, director of the Ford Fieldhouse, joins us to discuss her role, her experiences working with student-athletes and navigating renovations—all while sharing what she loves about her job. Don’t miss this engaging conversation! Be sure to subscribe and share it with colleagues who want to stay connected to our GRCC community.

Welcome to Together@GRCC, the biweekly podcast created for GRCC staff. Hosted by Ryan Nausieda, each episode features interviews with staff, students and community members, highlighting the people and projects that make our campus thrive. In this episode, Valerie Butterfield, director of student life and leadership, joins us to share insights about her department, what makes an ideal day, the impact of campus events and her passion for working with students. Don’t miss this engaging conversation! Be sure to subscribe and share it with colleagues who want to stay connected to our GRCC community.