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aspireYour North Central Michigan College Magazine FALL/WINTER 2025 - 26 ANNUAL REPORT EDITION Where Learning Meets Life With support from North Central, student parents are turning determination into opportunity — for themselves, their families, and their futures. Story on page 6 Details on inside coverNORTH CENTRAL MAIN CAMPUS 1515 Howard St. Petoskey, MI 49770 231-348-6600 CHEBOYGAN CENTER (Cheboygan High School) 801 W. Lincoln Ave. Cheboygan, MI 49721 231-625-3614 GAYLORD CENTER 620 E. 5 th St. Gaylord, MI 49735 989-705-3775 ONLINE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dan Rasmussen, Chair Chris Etienne, Vice Chair Melissa Keiswetter, Secretary Jason Kromm Keith A. Pretty, J.D. James Shirilla, M.D. Janelle A. Wozniak, MSN LOCATIONS Aspire is an award-winning, biannual magazine produced by North Central Michigan College’s Marketing Department. Megan Van Horn Director of Marketing and Communication Catherine Coe Digital Marketing Manager Rachel Lefor Digital Media Administrator Kathryn Bardins Marketing Administrative Manager @NorthCentralMC www.ncmich.edu The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program has named North Central Michigan College among the nation’s Top 200 community colleges, making it eligible to compete for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and $1 million in shared prize funds. The Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of achievement among community colleges, honoring institutions that deliver exceptional results in learning, completion, and career success. “This recognition affirms our mission of creating pathways to opportunity for every student,” said President David Roland Finley. “It reflects the collective effort of our faculty, staff, and students to achieve excellence.” Over the next 20 months, the Aspen Institute will evaluate participating colleges through a rigorous review of student outcomes, employment data, and equity practices. The process will culminate with the selection of the 2027 Aspen Prize winner in Spring 2027. “Every student who walks onto our campus has a dream they’re determined to reach,” Finley added. “This honor celebrates their hard work and reminds us why we do what we do.” Learn more at as.pn/prize. North Central named Aspen Prize Top 200 U.S. Community CollegeA measurable impact A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT At North Central Michigan College, we often talk about impact — how our programs, people, and partnerships change lives across our region. This year, we have the numbers to show just how far-reaching that impact is. Our 2025 economic impact study found that North Central contributed $78.9 million to the Northern Michigan economy during FY 2023–24. Every dollar invested in North Central generates real returns for students, local employers, and the communities we serve. That measurable success reflects the strength of our programs today and fuels the investments shaping our future. Construction is underway on the new Martin Jahn Technology Center and the expanded Health Education and Science Center, both scheduled to open in Fall 2026. These facilities will ensure that the momentum we’ve built continues to strengthen in the years ahead. North Central’s progress reflects the shared commitment of our community to accessible, high-quality education in Northern Michigan. That partnership includes local support through our operating millage, which is scheduled for renewal consideration in November 2026. Together, we are building not just a stronger college, but a stronger Northern Michigan. David Roland Finley, Ph.D. President Alumni Impact $61.4 million in added income from alumni living and working in our region Return on Investment Every $1 invested by students returns $4.50 in lifetime earnings. Social Benefit $7.20 in added income and social savings generated for every $1 invested in North Central LOOK FOR THESE ICONS THROUGHOUT THIS ISSUE, EACH HIGHLIGHTING A DIFFERENT DIMENSION OF NORTH CENTRAL’S IMPACT*: *Impacts created by NCMC in FY 2023-24ASPIRE - YOUR NORTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE 4 In long-term care, small, steady moments have a big impact: a gentle assist, a listening ear, a reassuring glance. Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) provide that presence daily, forming the foundation of patient- centered care. This fall, North Central and Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan are partnering to prepare more people for this important role. A new Fast Track CNA program condenses classroom, lab, and clinical training into just two weeks, offering an efficient path to employment in a high-demand field. “Not only does this partnership help fill a critical workforce gap, but it also gives students real-world experience in long-term care,” says Shannan Butler, Grandvue’s director of nursing. Students will complete 34 classroom hours at North Central, 16.5 in simulation labs, and 24.5 in supervised clinical training with Grandvue residents. Upon certification, graduates can step directly into meaningful caregiving roles. To remove cost barriers, the NCMC Foundation is offering scholarships, and Medicaid-eligible employers like Grandvue may reimburse certification expenses. Building on a successful partnership with Bay Bluffs Medical Care Facility, the initiative expands CNA training across Emmet and Charlevoix counties to meet the needs of an aging population. “This is about building a stronger healthcare system by empowering local caregivers,” says Cassandra Hernandez, dean of Workforce and Continuing Education. “We’re proud to help strengthen care across Northern Michigan.” p North Central Michigan College and Grandvue Medical Care Facility partner to train the next generation of caregivers Fast Track to care From left: Jennifer Foley, NCMC director of training for Workforce and Continuing Education; Cassandra Hernandez, NCMC dean of Workforce and Continuing Education; Karah Dunson, restorative CNA at Grandvue and future nursing student; and Shannan Butler, director of nursing at Grandvue.WWW.NCMICH.EDU 5 For Spencer and Jozlynne Cross, building healthcare careers in Northern Michigan means giving back to the community they now call home. The couple credits their North Central education with giving them the skills and community ties that are shaping their careers in healthcare. “North Central gave us the tools to launch our careers,” Spencer says, “but more than that, it gave us a sense of purpose in serving the community we now call home.” Their paths in healthcare might look different, but they share the same intent: helping others live well. Spencer, a doctorate-prepared nurse practitioner at Great Lakes Ear, Nose & Throat, cares for patients of all ages, performing in-office procedures and consulting in the hospital setting. Jozlynne has built her career in aesthetic nursing and clinical education, helping patients gain confidence while mentoring colleagues in her field. That shared commitment to care extends beyond their workplaces. “Our dinner conversations are very medically saturated,” Jozlynne laughs. “But that overlap helps us collaborate and grow.” Spencer, whose Air Force family moved often, describes Petoskey as the first place that felt permanent. “This is where I built lasting friendships,” he says. “With such an amazing place to live and a supportive community, I knew this was where I wanted to stay and raise a family.” Jozlynne, who grew up near Newberry, quickly grew attached to the area as well. “I originally moved here for Spencer, but I fell in love with the region. And coming from a small town, Petoskey felt like a big city.” Like many dual-career couples, the Crosses have spent years balancing demanding shifts, advanced education, and family life. They learned early in their relationship that progress depends on partnership, shared calendars, and knowing when to step in for one another. “We had to be very intentional with our time,” Jozlynne explains. “It made us stronger instead of strained.” Spencer agrees: “Communication has been our strongest pillar. Failing to plan is planning to fail, and in healthcare, that’s especially true.” For them, communication is both habit and discipline. The same focus and empathy that guide a patient conversation also shape how they navigate life at home, keeping their family and their work moving forward, together. And their motivation endures because of what they see each day. In a small community, patients are not anonymous; they are neighbors, friends, and familiar faces downtown. “Those connections remind us that what we do really matters,” Jozlynne says. p ALUMNI SUCCESS Staying local, serving neighbors Spencer and Jozlynne Cross, married NCMC grads, are shaping healthier lives in Northern Michigan. Jozlynne Cross, RN, is aesthetic lead nurse at Cosmetic Skin & Laser Center Petoskey, and Spencer Cross, DNP, CORLN, is a board-certified nurse in otolaryngology and head-neck nursing at Great Lakes Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists.bedtime &North Central’s student parents prove that with determination and the right support, families and futures can grow together. Balancing books ASPIRE - YOUR NORTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE 6Morning comes early for North Central’s student parents. Before their first class begins, they’ve served breakfast, navigated daycare dropoff, and juggled a dozen small details that test their resolve. By the time they reach campus, the day’s work is already well underway. These students are redefining what commitment looks like, pursuing degrees while raising families, and proving that progress can happen in the middle of it all. Their stories show that when education fits real life, families and communities grow stronger together. Britney Weir is living that busy rhythm daily, juggling a full-time job as a Certified Medical Assistant at Munson Charlevoix Hospital while also caring for her 19-month-old son, Jordím, and attending classes. “It’s difficult to balance, because life is go, go, go. Finding time to complete each task while ensuring my baby spends quality time with me has been the hardest part,” Weir says. Thanks to a mix of determination and well-timed support, Weir is finding that balance is possible. Through North Central’s Child Care Access Means Parents In School program (CCAMPIS) and funding from the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), Weir receives full childcare tuition assistance, allowing her to focus on classes knowing Jordím is cared for. Advising from Kristin Jardine, North Central’s CCAMPIS advisor and student-parent liaison, has also been a steady anchor, as the pair work together to build a plan that aligns Weir’s academic goals with the demands of family life. “The access to resources has made a world of difference. Kristin’s encouragement has made achieving my dreams feel realistic,” Weir says. Structure and flexibility are essential. Some nights, Weir studies after bedtime; other times, she squeezes homework into naptime. Through it all, she keeps her goal in focus. That sense of purpose is something Jardine recognizes in nearly every student parent she advises. “They bring an incredible sense of purpose to their studies,” Jardine says. “They are motivated not only by their own goals, but also by the futures of their children. That kind of drive shows up in classrooms in the form of thoughtful contributions, determination, and deep empathy for others. They make our campus stronger and more compassionate because they’re balancing real-life responsibilities right alongside their studies.” For Weir, that same motivation extends beyond her own family. Her years as a medical assistant have shaped her desire to help others through social work. “Working as a medical assistant showed me that many people need advocates to help them receive the care they require,” she explains. “I would love to be part of the solution healthcare needs. “Completing each course brings me closer to my goal, and that’s the best feeling.” Continued on next page 7 WWW.NCMICH.EDU Balance in Motion Britney Weir is determined to create stability through education. “I’m inspired by my son. I want to give him the most stable life possible.” BRITNEY WEIR Britney Weir and Jordím, 19 months Every Dollar invested in programming to support student parents yields $5.36 in public returns resulting in... $1.86 billion in net taxpayer benefits by 2035. ▲ Hicks and Anderson, Taxpayer Benefits of Supporting Student Parents (2024) $Joshua Johnson, a Coast Guard veteran, came to North Central looking for a new direction that would allow him to turn his creativity into a career. “I wanted to start a different career path but didn’t know where to begin. Taking classes felt like the right place to start,” he says. Johnson decided to use his available G.I. Bill benefits to pursue a long-held interest in photography. Now a digital art and design student, he balances coursework, family life, and his own photography business, Joshua J Photography. His support network is key to his success. “I have a lot of help from my wife,” he says. “She’s always helping me with assignments or making sure I have enough time to get everything done.” On campus, academic advising has played an important role in easing Johnson’s transition back to school. “Having been out of the school-type world for a while, figuring out classes and just the whole college experience is hectic,” he explains. “Advising has helped a lot.” With Jardine’s help, Joshua has connected his passion for photography to real-world experience. Her guidance led him to opportunities to photograph campus and athletic events, work that has strengthened both his portfolio and his confidence. “Josh is a great example of how we can align classroom learning with real experience,” Jardine says. “When parents see how their education benefits their families immediately, it strengthens their commitment to keep going.” Blending creativity with discipline is a combination that feels natural to Johnson after years in uniform. “Without my time in the Coast Guard, I’m not sure I would have made it as far as I have in college classes.” With his daughter as both his biggest supporter and his daily motivation, Johnson hopes she will take something lasting from his example. “I hope that she learns to follow what her passions are, and to try as hard as she can to make whatever she wants to do happen.” Balancing college and parenthood wasn’t always part of Whitney Phillips’ plan. In fact, her first attempt at college didn’t stick. But when Phillips’ daughter, three-year-old Kéhlani, arrived, so did a new sense of purpose. “I didn’t want Kéhlani to view herself or her mother as someone who gives up,” she says. “I want her to know she can do anything she sets her mind to.” Now Phillips is pursuing both a certificate in medical billing and coding and an associate degree in social work. The journey hasn’t been easy, but assistance from family and support from North Central has made it possible. Phillips’ mother, Kéhlani’s “GamGam,” babysits during study sessions, while Jardine and other campus advocates help her navigate the rest, forming a network of people and programs that nurture her potential. Jardine helped Phillips secure CCAMPIS funding while she waited for state assistance, and MiLEAP aid helps her cover childcare costs during evening classes. Gas cards help with Phillips' budget for her commute to campus, and connections to healthcare and Joshua Johnson Purpose in Progress Joshua Johnson channels creativity into a new career. “Being in the military before taking college classes allowed me to make mistakes, figure things out, and learn a lot of tough life lessons.” JOSHUA JOHNSON Power in Connection Whitney Phillips finds strength in family and community support. 8 ASPIRE - YOUR NORTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN COLLEGE MAGAZINE9 WWW.NCMICH.EDU leadership opportunities keep her progress steady. “These resources have been game-changers,” Jardine says. “Every family’s needs are different, so the goal is to meet students where they are and remove barriers that could slow them down.” Phillips says that support has changed how she experiences college and motherhood. “I’ve had a completely different experience this time than I did 18 years ago,” she says. Her renewed confidence has also reshaped her sense of purpose. “I want to be involved in change for my community on a larger scale,” she explains. “My experiences have given me a broader perspective on life and hardship. I don’t want those struggles to go to waste. I want them to mean something — to help others see they aren’t alone and that they can make it to the other side.” That growing conviction, along with the belonging she’s found at North Central, have guided Phillips toward ambitious new goals. Once unsure about college, she now plans to continue her education at the University of Michigan, where she hopes to complete her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees on her way to achieving her long-term goal: opening her own therapy practice and contributing to research that drives social change. “Our lives don’t end because we become parents,” Phillips says. “Our lives have restarted, and it’s up to us to show our children that everything is possible for them.” A Ripple of Impact For Jardine, stories like these show how consistent encouragement and access to resources can strengthen students’ resilience. “Resilience isn’t about having an easy road,” she says. “It’s about showing up, problem-solving, and holding on to hope even when the road feels steep.” She points to programs like CCAMPIS, the Early Learning Center, and the Family Friendly Campus Initiative as catalysts for change. Looking ahead, Jardine envisions even deeper integration of family-friendly practices across campus. “Every time we support a student parent, we’re investing in more than one life. We’re investing in children, in stronger families, and in a more educated community. The return on that investment is immeasurable.” p NCMC students are parents in 51 “Supporting student parents isn’t just meeting an immediate need; it’s shaping a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.” KRISTIN JARDINE Whitney Phillips and Kéhlani, 3 “Now that I can see my progress and that I am able to do this, I want to keep going.” WHITNEY PHILLIPS Kristin JardineNext >