Skip to main content
ToggleMenu

Michigan Reconnect helps GRCC’s John Miedema pursue new career goals

September 4, 2024 Ask John Miedema about going back to college and you’ll get an earful. “I love telling people I’m going to college for free,” said Miedema, 34, who’s using the  Michigan Reconnect scholarship to cover tuition and fees at Grand Rapids Community College. “I’m living proof that it’s never too late to start over again.”  Since launching three years ago, Michigan Reconnect has helped more than 150,000 Michiganders like Miedema pursue the additional education that leads to rewarding careers and higher wages. Originally only available to adults aged 25 and older without an associate degree or skills certificate, the state-funded program is now available for a limited time to students ages 21 to 24 who  apply  by Nov. 15, 2024. Miedema, who works full-time at Michigan First Credit Union in Grand Rapids, knows that a college diploma is his best chance at career advancement. But post-high school attempts to study music at GRCC and aviation at Northwestern Michigan College didn’t go so well, he said.  After meeting last year with  GRCC academic advisors , he realized he’s a much different person now than he was 15 years ago. “When I was younger, I just wasn’t ready to make career decisions and do the work required to succeed in college,” Miedema said. “But GRCC gave me the help I needed to make a plan, enroll and start making my way toward an  associate degree in business management .” Flexible online courses have made it easier for him to study while also working 40 hours a week. Supportive professors and involved advisors made his first year at GRCC a success. He’s earned all A’s with only one pesky A-minus. He’s always telling friends, coworkers and clients about  Michigan Reconnect and his new start at college life. He even convinced his fiancé Ashlynn Kelley to take her last few classes at GRCC so she can apply to the  Dental program . “I know she’s very close to completing things and I’m just doing everything I can to support her,” Miedema said. Between  Michigan Reconnect and some financial assistance from his employer to cover books and fees, he no longer needs to worry about accumulating college debt and can instead focus on school. He understands earning his degree will take some time. But it’s more than that. “It’s about working harder now so I can achieve my dreams later,” he said. “I want to prove to myself that I can do it.” This story was reported by Beth McKenna.

Student Records has finalized their Leadership Team

Lakisha D. Beck, Registrar Lakisha now serves as the current registrar in the Student Records Office and will be approaching her 13th year at GRCC. Lakisha isn't a stranger to GRCC or the Student Records Office as she has worked in the office when she was a student employee, a contingency employee, and in various roles in the department as a full-time staff member. She earned her Master of Education from GVSU, but always gives credit back to GRCC where she earned her first degree. Valerie (Val) Campbell, Associate Registrar Val started with GRCC in February of 2024.  Prior to accepting the associate registrar position at GRCC, she worked at Ferris State University for 10 years in the Office of International Education where she gained well rounded experience in international student admissions, recruitment, and student services. Valerie began her educational journey at GRCC where she earned an Associate in Arts. She then completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Grand Valley State University and a Paralegal Certificate at Davenport University.  After working for several years, she attended Ferris State University to complete her MBA. Christopher (Chris) Remley, Associate Registrar – Graduation   Chris is starting his 11th year at GRCC.  He started in the Experiential Learning office as a part-time support professional.  In February of 2017 he applied and got the office manager position in the Student Life office.  He was with Student Life until July 2019, when he received the assistant registrar role in the Student Records Office.  Chris was held that position until he became the interim assistant registrar - graduation in May 2022.  In May 2024, he applied for and earned the role of Associate Registrar – Graduation. Chris attended Western Michigan University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Mathematics.  Chris earned his Masters of Arts from Michigan State University in Student Affairs Administration. Philip (Phil) Blanchard, Associate Director of Veteran Services Phil started at GRCC in November 2023.  He served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for four years and completed one combat tour to Afghanistan in April 2010-2011. After fulfilling his service, Phil enrolled in school where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work at Ferris State University. It was during his time as an undergrad that he grew a passion for helping members of the veterans’ community with their educational goals and bettering their overall quality of life. While in college, Phil was an active member of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) and worked as a student employee. He has enjoyed getting to know the campus and its military-affiliated population while doing what he can to help students achieve their higher education goals.  Please feel free to visit Phil in his office in the Veterans Center if you need assistance or would like to introduce yourself.  Phil’s office is located in 002 RJF Hall (just down the hall from Winchester Alley)   Isabel Vargas, Associate Registrar - Curriculum Operations Isabel Vargas has been with GRCC since 2016, starting as a student employee with the TRIO SSS Department. In 2018, she became the part-time support professional in the Apprenticeship Office of the School of Workforce Training, and in 2021 started working as a full-time support professional with the Student Records Office as the Student Records and Transfer Evaluator. She is continuing her career at GRCC after earning the position of Associate Registrar of Curriculum Operations just this past August. Isabel is a proud GRCC alum, earning her Associate of Arts Degree in 2018 and earned Bachelors of Integrative Studies with an emphasis in Leadership and Business at Grand Valley State University in 2020.  She is currently pursuing her Master of Higher Education at GVSU.   
Transfer