Category Archives: College News

Jason Leppelmeier: From Philosophy Undergrad to Data Engineer with the MS in Computer Science & Information Systems

Jason Leppelmeier earned his MS in Computer Science & Information Systems in April 2019

Jason Leppelmeier only applied to one program when he was ready to earn his master’s degree—The MS in Computer Science & Information Systems at the University of Michigan-Flint.

Two factors stood out to Jason when he was making a decision:

  • He could to complete his coursework online or in-person, which was important since he often traveled for work.
  • The UM-Flint program offers a “fast track” option for learners who don’t have a Computer Science/Information Systems bachelor’s degree.

Jason originally studied philosophy, with designs on philosophy graduate school. But, as Jason relates, “life happened” and he worked on factory floors for several years after graduating. He knew that a master’s degree would help him grow in his career, and Jason was able to complete the UM-Flint MS in Computer Science & Information Systems while working full-time servicing scientific laboratory equipment around the country.

Cyber Classrooms record every lecture and allow distance learners to get the full classroom experience.

“Since Computer Science courses are offered both for distance-learners and on-campus students, I liked that I could tell prospective employers that I did exactly the work remotely as on-campus students,” Jason says.

Jason earned his master’s in April 2019, but he took the next step in his career before even finishing his degree. In November 2018, Jason started as a Data Engineer at Aunalytics, a data consulting firm based in South Bend, Indiana. He develops data pipelines that are used in AI and machine learning systems. His experience with the MS in Computer Science & Information Systems was instrumental in gaining this position.

“When I started interviewing in industry, employers were most concerned with my understanding the fundamentals and the deeper theory behind them,” Jason says. “If I could show that I had some experience with applying my learning, they felt like I’d be able to do that with their systems.”

Jason had plenty of opportunities for applied learning while completing his master’s. In his artificial intelligence class, Jason developed a speech recognition system for Arabic digits which was 94% accurate. In a data mining course, Jason developed a system which could identify whether the sentiments of a tweet toward an organization are positive or negative. Professors that are available for questions and brainstorming—like Dr. Michael Farmer in artificial intelligence and Dr. Halil Bisgin in data mining—were invaluable resources for Jason.  

“In interviews, the first thing employers wanted to know was about what projects I completed and what my role was, so having professors that can guide you was very important,” Jason says. “The class sizes and accessibility of professors were always positive things for me. I was surprised at how much my professors were willing to help.”

Interested in getting started on your own path to success? The application for the MS in Computer Science & Information Systems is available online. You can also contact the Program Manager, Susie Churchill, at [email protected] or 810.762.0916.

Art Students Create Pop-Up T-Shirt Business on MLK Ave.

During the Spring-Time Pop-Up Celebration on Flint’s Martin Luther King Avenue, students in the College of Arts & Sciences Art & Art History Department held a pop-up of their own. “The Change Machine,” a t-shirt screen printing storefront, was created by students in ART 379: Community Design Studio, directed by Associate Professor Benjamin Gaydos.

“The Community Design Studio is a place where students can work on real-life projects with clients,” explains Gaydos. “This isn’t a simulation; this is a working design studio.”

The Community Design Studio Collaborates with community organizations such as King Avenue Plus to create projects like The Change Machine.

With “The Change Machine,” students demonstrated the accessibility of starting a small business like a screen printing shop. Creating t-shirts was just one event in a long line of projects done in collaboration with the City and the MLK Pasadena Business District, however. In March, Gaydos and his students participated in a mapping workshop with the Flint Department of Planning and Development and King Avenue Plus. The studio collaborated with King Avenue Plus and the city’s planning team to develop a set of surveys and co-creative mapping tools. Community members were able to share their expertise in improving walkability in the city and assist in designing the final outcome. For example, if a community member felt that more streetlights were needed in a given area, they could indicate that with a designated sticker on a map of the neighborhood.

The Community Design Studio helped to develop maps showing the needs of Flint residents.

“We were there to help contribute best practices to the process, Gaydos says. “Simple things like having stickers that don’t have anything on them, which gives folks in the neighborhoods an opportunity to say that they want things that maybe the city hasn’t even thought about.”

To help bring their talents to the community, Community Design Studio students were awarded a CAS Opportunity Fund grant for this event, which provided funds for supplies like blank t-shirts, silk screens for printing, and vinyl for signage.

Video: Creating a T-Shirt

The opportunity to apply her learning is one that junior Art & Design major Stephanie Streeter appreciates.

“It is easy in design classes to make things that don’t actually impact anyone and just get a grade. This class is great because you get to see the results of your work in the community,” Streeter says.

Junior Art & Design major Stephanie Streeter applying vinyl decals.

Though this particular event is over, the collaboration between the Community Design Studio and community partners doesn’t stop. Building and maintaining those relationships is intentional, and something that Gaydos feels is essential.

“Though this course is scheduled once a year in the Winter semester, we are able to maintain our community partners over many years,” Gaydos says. “We hold a lot of workshops and brainstorming activities with our community partners to really understand their needs. That’s an important way of designing when you’re trying to create a sustainable impact in communities.”

Dalton Sink is Advancing his Aquatic Biology Career With the MS in Biology

After earning his bachelor’s in Biology from UM-Flint, Dalton Sink accepted a position as an environmental biologist at the Holly-based company Aqua-Weed, where he conducts water quality testing and lake consulting. In particular, he is concerned with the development of safe—and effective—plant control methods. To take his work to the next level, Sink continued his education with the MS in Biology at UM-Flint. His thesis project explores the efficacy and environmental impact of industrial products on the common problem of algae and nuisance plants in lakes and ponds.

Working full-time and completing his MS in Biology creates a demanding schedule, but Sink has found a supportive community in the master’s program.

“My faculty advisor, Dr. Heather Dawson, has been really great. Anytime I have new content or revisions for my thesis, she sends me feedback shortly after,” Sinks says. “I’ve had to change my project objectives since beginning, but Heather and my thesis committee have been very open to making this program work for me.”

In addition to his area of focus, Sink appreciates the broad look at biology the master’s program offers him. In BIO 587: Forest Ecology, he learned more about the growth cycles of trees, which also informs what the environment will be like at the water’s edge. Making connections between different areas of biology has been beneficial for aquatically minded Sink.

Sink has also participated in an on-going aquaponics experiment with the department, in which students are growing vegetables using the waste produced by freshwater prawns. You can watch a short video on the experiment here. This project also necessitated a shift in thinking for Sink.

“Normally I’m trying to manage vegetation, not necessarily trying to grow it. So this was an interesting change of pace,” he says.

With one more course to complete and his thesis to defend, Sink is nearing the end of his master’s program. While juggling time at work, classes, and thesis research has not always been easy, he has found success in all with help from the UM-Flint community.

“You get to see and work with people who aren’t in your specific field, but that is helpful when it comes time to collaborate academically or professionally. You’re going to have a great support system around you with the professors and even other students in this program.”

Contact Dr. Joe Sucic for more information on the MS in Biology at [email protected]. You can also start your application online.

Jessica Kitchner Took Her Life in a New Direction With the Master of Public Administration

Jessica Kitchner earned her MPA from the University of Michigan-Flint in 2016.

Jessica Kitchner is passionate about English literacy. She spent years teaching English in Japan and Russia, before working with immigrant and refugee families with the Genesee Intermediate School District. She was making a difference, but her bachelor’s degree in political science meant she lacked the formal credentials to be a teacher in Michigan.

Jessica knew her positive impact on literacy could be made greater by working for a non-profit that focused on systemic solutions to English literacy education. But without skills like grant compliance, volunteer management, or fund development, how could she gain a position that fully realized her passion?

The Master of Public Administration at UM-Flint provided Jessica with the knowledge and opportunities to take her career in a new direction. After earning her MPA in 2016, Jessica became the Operations Manager at the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network (FGLN), which works to improve the life outcomes of local children and families by improving literacy levels in Genesee County. The Network’s Executive Director, JaNel Jamerson, is also a UM-Flint graduate.

“Every class in the MPA program could be linked to my passion of literacy. You can connect whatever your interests are to the curriculum in this degree,” Kitchner says.

 In her first year of the program, Jessica was researching literacy rates in Genesee County for one of her classes. This research led her to attend public meetings, where she would make the connections to eventually be hired by FGLN. Jessica is a self-professed introvert, but she came out of her shell with the opportunity to apply an interest in literacy to her MPA coursework. It also helped that her professors were always open and available.

“I had a standing weekly meeting with my statistics professor. He probably thought I was crazy, but he always listened and made time for me,” Kitchner says.

Jessica sees the opportunity to utilize her learning on a regular basis at work. Outside of the standard curriculum, Jessica believes the MPA program shows students more than what’s in the textbook.  

“The MPA program introduced me to the possibilities of Flint. Your classes are taught by people who are leaders in key fields. They talk about their real-life experiences and they bring in community partners. I didn’t know about most of these opportunities before coming to UM-Flint.”

MPA Program Director Kim Saks-McManaway, sees the opportunities that Jessica took advantage of as standard for UM-Flint MPA students.

“Whether it is within a specific content-based course, an independent study, or our practicum course, students are exposed to the real work of public administration from their first semester to their last,” Saks-McManaway says. “Students like Jessica can take advantage of those opportunities to change their career paths in a way that provides them with experience and credit toward their degree.”

If you’d like to learn more about how you can gain the right experiences to shape your career, Kim Saks-McManaway can be contacted at [email protected]. You can also start your application online.

CAS Faculty Had a Great 2018-19

Professors in the College of Arts & Sciences made the 2018-19 academic year great for our students, campus, and community. Whether it is teaching, research, or collaboration across departments and campuses, it seems like our faculty can do it all.

The following are just a few of the accolades our teacher-scholars have received for their work over the past year. Many of these awards were part of the Celebration of Teaching & Research, held by the Thompson Center for Learning & Teaching and the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs.

UM-FLINT FACULTY AND STAFF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Of the seven 2019 Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards, CAS faculty across six departments earned them all. These seven recipients will be honored at the Fall Academic Affairs Convocation scheduled for Thursday, August 29, 2019 in the UM-Flint Theater.

  • Distinguished Service Award: Shelby Newport (Theatre/Dance)
  • Teaching Excellence Award: Stephanie Roach (English)
  • Scholarly or Creative Achievement Award: Terrence Horgan (Psychology)
  • Dr. Lois Matz Rosen Junior Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award: Halil Bisgin (Computer Science & Information Systems)
  • Lucinda Hinsdale Stone Junior Faculty Award: Emily Feuerherm (English)
  • Lucinda Hinsdale Stone Senior Faculty Award: Jessica Tischler (Chemistry & Biochemistry)
  • Dorothea E. Wyatt Award: Jennifer Alvey (Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice)

PROVOST TEACHING INNOVATION PRIZE

Four faculty members received this award, which recognizes those who have developed a creative or innovative project that enhances student learning. Projects include:

-Helping Computer Science students make the connection between academics and business, engaging the community in a first-year experience course,

-Using cloud-based collaboration software to increase student engagement, collaboration, and learning.

CATALYST COURSE DESIGN

This program assists faculty in creating high-impact, engaged learning opportunities in their courses. Four CAS faculty made their classes more engaging with this grant in Winter 2019.

LEO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

This program provides financial support for professional development activities that enhance the teaching of lecturers. Eight CAS faculty members received funding to improve their educational practice.

New for this year, awards were available from the LEO Inclusive Teaching Professional Development Fund. Four CAS faculty members were granted this award to make their classes an even better learning environment for all.

FACULTY LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Six faculty members were participants across three learning communities, which are interdisciplinary and cross-institution outlets for professional growth. CAS professors were involved with Critical Inclusive Pedagogies, “Engagement of Students in Undergraduate Research,” and “Service Learning Across the Disciplines.”

FACULTY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

Four CAS professors received TCLT Faculty Development Grants to enhance their coursework, attend conferences, or carry out research projects

GOLDEN APPLES

A total of 93 Golden Apples were awarded to the CAS faculty in 2018-19. Students nominate professors for their work in teaching, advising, and mentoring.

MCUBED

MCubed provides seed funding across all three UM campuses to self-organized, multi-unit, faculty-led teams. Fifteen CAS faculty members are working in eight cubes, on topics ranging from “Iron transport across the blood/brain barrier” to “Using social media to understand public perception of the Flint Water Crisis.”

RESEARCH & CREATIVE ACTIVITY AWARDS

Four CAS faculty members received funding to lead projects that foster cooperation across campus and provide research opportunities for students. Some examples include:

-Organic Farming Duration and its Relationship to Soil Health


-US and the War on Terror in Sub-Saharan Africa: Paradox and Prospects

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL GRANT AWARDS

Ten CAS faculty members who were invited to participate an international conference received this award.

CAS OPPORTUNITY FUND GRANTS

Three faculty members received CAS Opportunity Fund Grants. They are using this funding to attend professional conferences and purchase equipment for use in research.

We can’t wait to see what our faculty will accomplish next year!

4 Pieces To Listen For During the Department of Music’s Upcoming Concerts

Looking for some live music to help you celebrate the beginning of spring? The UM-Flint Department of Music has four performances coming soon that offer a variety of styles, messages, and musical origins. Read (and listen) on to see what concerts fit your interest!

Sunday, April 7
“Turn the World Around” Vocal Arts Concert

The University Chorale and Chamber Singers will perform Please Stay. This hopeful piece seeks to destigmatize mental illness and challenges us to support those working through depression and thoughts of suicide.

Some of the lyrics used in the piece are adapted from Tweets using #IKeptLiving. Get inspired at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 746 Saginaw St. Tickets $5 at the door, free with valid UMID,

Tuesday, April 9
Jazz Concert

The Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo will perform traditional swing, Afro-Cuban, and modern jazz compositions. Keep an ear out for a medley of Mary Pop Poppins and The Derp, both originally by the Seattle-based True Loves.

Get funky at 7:30 p.m. in the UM-Flint Theatre. $5 tickets at the door, students free with UMID.

Thursday, April 11
“Bookmarks from Japan” Wind Symphony Concert

You’ll hear a diverse set of instruments during this concert, including the Shime Daiko and Taiko drums.

Thursday night will be highlighted by Julie Giroux’s Symphony No. IV, which was inspired by a series of famous Japanese works of art reproduced as bookmarks that she received as a gift.

Let your ears travel at 7:30 p.m. in the UM-Flint Theatre. Students free with UMID or $5 suggested donation.

Sunday, April 14
“Music From Around the World” University Orchestra Concert

Featuring compositions from Germany, France, America, and Cuba, this orchestral performance is sure to be a whirlwind tour of classic and modern pieces.

Composer Felix Mendelssohn only lived to be 38, but he left behind a large body of celebrated work. Die Hebriden, Op. 26, “Fingal’s Cave” was inspired during a trip to Scotland while Mendelssohn was touring Europe as a pianist and conductor.

Hear this overture and other works at 4 p.m. in the UM-Flint Theatre. $5 suggested donation, free with UMID.

5 Facts About the Computer Science & Information Systems D.A.T.A. Poster Competition

Students will compete for $1800 in prizes during the first annual D.A.T.A. (Data, Algorithms, & Technology Advances) Poster Competition on Friday, March 29, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the 3rd floor MSB Breezeway. Hosted by Computer Science & Information Systems, this poster competition is open to all CS/CIS undergraduate and graduate students, as well as non-majors who team up with a student in the department. Here are five things to know in advance of the event.

5. It’s Judged by Community Members

UM-Flint faculty won’t be choosing the winners. Instead, two members of the community will serve as judges. Jennifer McLaughlin (’05, MS’07) is an alumna of both the undergraduate and graduate computer science programs at UM-Flint. She is the Manager of IT Security & IT Compliance for Auto-Owners Insurance. Robert Bernard is a Professor and Programs Coordinator of Information Technology at Mott Community College.

4. $1800 In Prizes Are Up for Grabs

The CS/CIS Department is utilizing funds generously donated by Auto-Owners Insurance to provide Amazon gift cards to the competition winners. There are first- and second-place prizes available for team and solo entries, both on the undergrad and graduate level. A total of eight prizes are up for grabs.

3. You Don’t Have to be a CS/CIS Major to Attend

This event is a great opportunity for students of all majors to connect around skills that will help them as a professional. Dr. Michael Farmer, chair of Computer Science, Engineering, & Physics Department, explains.

“When you go into the workforce, you work with people from all disciplines. When I was in industry I worked with mechanical engineering majors, electrical engineering majors, marketing majors, English majors, you name it,” Farmer says. “Real-world work is team-based, and this event allows you to get a feel for what your teammates will be bringing to the table.”

2. It’s an Opportunity for Students to Present Their Existing Work

Farmer is looking forward to students being able to showcase the interesting things they have been creating as part of their coursework.

Samantha Lang (’15) is earning her M.S. in Computer Science after completing a bachelor’s in Psychology. She is presenting work on updating belief systems in humans and AI systems that she completed while working as a research assistant for Dr. Farmer.

“This opportunity is beneficial as a student to gain experience within different types of contests and conferences,” Lang says. “You never know who might be attending, notice your work, and be willing to help take it to the next level of success.”

1. It Will Be a Yearly Event

This year’s D.A.T.A. competition will be the first of many in years to come.

“If you’re a freshman and haven’t completed any big projects yet, enter next year,” Farmer says. “This is going to be a regular fixture on the UM-Flint campus.”

Everyone is invited to stop by the MSB Breezeway on March 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to view the competition entries.

Tom Wyatt, Sue Alcock, and Eucharia Ganda

UM-Flint, Kettering come together to discuss placemaking

Placemaking: The process of creating quality places that people want to live, work, play, and learn in.

On February 25, 2019, the University of Michigan – Flint and Kettering University discussed the role of universities in this process. LLE 2.0: The Power of People and Place is the latest installment in a series of community talks focused on the connection between liberal learning and entrepreneurial thinking.

Director of Neighborhood Services at Kettering University Tom Wyatt joined UM-Flint’s Interim Provost Dr. Sue Alcock for a discussion moderated by UM-Flint Student Government President Eucharia Ganda.

In his work, Wyatt collaborates with community partners like those in the University Avenue Corridor Coalition, which includes 70 community stakeholders from McLaren Flint on the West to UM-Flint on the East, Hurley Medical Center and Whaley Children’s Home on the North and the Flint River to the South.

Alcock pointed to the work of UM-Flint faculty and university-sponsored events as opportunities to leverage the university as a force for positivity in the community. One example is the Porch Project, a collaboration between a block association and Assistant Professor of Biology Rebecca Tonietto. In addition to beautifying homeowners’ yards, Tonietto is researching if gardens increase wild bee diversity.

As the interim provost, Alcock’s office is among the university units sponsoring Yo Yo Ma’s Day of Action in Flint, which takes place February 28, 2019. The day will include performances by Ma and the UM-Flint Jazz Combo.

LLE 2.0 is sponsored by the UM-Flint College of Arts & Sciences with support from university and community partners including University Outreach and the EDA University Center for Community and Economic Development.

UM-Flint Chemistry Prepared Jared Arnold for Professional Life

Jared Arnold graduated from UM-Flint with a degree in biochemistry in 2014.

As a freshman at the University of Michigan-Flint, Jared Arnold (’14, Biochemistry) wasn’t sure of the path he would take. He did know, however, that he was ready to work after earning his degree. Graduate school could come after gaining professional experience. The common thread throughout his exploration—in engineering and nursing, among other majors—was the chemistry coursework required by each. Those prerequisite courses led Arnold to the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry; there he found his professional calling and a community of lasting support.

A Professional Path

Five years after earning his degree, Arnold works as a Research & Development Chemist at AkzoNobel, where he develops vehicle refinish coatings. The paints used in vehicle manufacturing plants differ from those used in your local body shop, so Arnold develops coatings built to work in the more variable environments found at those shops. His work also allows him to explore the development of water-based paints, which in comparison to conventional paints borne by solvents, produce fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Arnold’s job pushes him to find solutions that are both environmentally friendly and effective in industry.

His experience with the coatings field began while he was still attending UM-Flint, with an internship at Lockhart Chemical Company.

“I never saw myself as a bench chemist long-term, so I was seeking out alternate opportunities. It was interning at Lockhart while finishing my degree where I really saw what I could do with my education,” Arnold says. “Organizing operations and solving product-related issues were interesting challenges for me.”

Support From the UM-Flint Community

Industrial chemistry is a competitive field, and getting your foot in the door at firms such as Lockhart or AkzoNobel requires that you have a solid foundation of chemical knowledge, laboratory skills, and a strong network. UM-Flint Chemistry offered Arnold all three.  

“Once I began taking higher-level chemistry courses, I was working with the same 10 or 15 people in each class. You get this very personal connection, not only with professors but with your fellow students,” Arnold says. “The support was built-in—you have people you trust and because classes are small, it’s very easy to have that one-on-one time with your professors.”

One professor Arnold spent plenty of time working with is department chair Dr. Jessica Kelts. A former corporate research scientist herself, Kelts was well-positioned to mentor Arnold both in the classroom and as a future professional. Complex lab sessions can last hours, with time to wait for chemical reactions. Kelts sees that downtime as an opportunity to discuss with students what they want to do in life, or simply connect about music or movies and other interests.

“You get to know these students so well as a professor at UM-Flint, especially when you have them for multiple classes. Likewise, students know us well enough that they don’t hesitate to contact us five or more years later for a recommendation letter or just to ask for advice,” Kelts says. “As their professor and mentor, you become invested in their success.”

A Complete Education

Arnold enjoys using his chemistry skills in the context of business, but becoming acquainted with industry posed new challenges. How does he effectively debate with the marketing team about what they should—and should not—say about a new product’s properties? Arnold draws on the broad-based education he received within the College of Arts & Sciences, one that exposed him to different modes of thinking amidst his scientific inquiry.

In particular, Arnold remembers philosophy classes taught by Dr. Stevens Wandmacher.

“I saw that the approach to philosophy was so different than what I was seeing in chemistry. It’s a completely different way to approach problems and explain answers,” Arnold says.  “I found new ways to deal with problems and arguments, and if I hadn’t taken philosophy courses, I wouldn’t have known those things existed.”

Now having several years of professional experience, Arnold is preparing to advance his education with a master’s degree. But he will always see UM-Flint as the place that set him up for success.

“You’ll have more opportunities for hands-on experience at UM-Flint than anywhere else. You can work with a professor on their research project; you can be published by the time you finish undergrad. The community I made and the opportunities I found kept me engaged with campus.”

Visit https://www.umflint.edu/chemistry/department-chemistry-biochemistry for more information on Chemistry at UM-Flint.

CAS Alumni Spotlight: Marissa Pierce

UM-Flint alumna and Flint resident Marissa Pierce graduated in 2003 with a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in Africana Studies; she later returned to earn her MA in English Language and Literature, graduating in 2009.

Currently, Pierce is the Public & Community Relations Coordinator for the Flint Institute of Arts and a part-time English Instructor at Mott Community College. She also maintains an entertainment and lifestyle website, phashionphish.com, and is in the beginning stages of starting Surprise! — a non-profit that will provide mentoring and host “parties for kids and teens that would otherwise be unable to have one.”

Marissa Pierce, UM-Flint alumna, in the FIA's under-construction glassworks studio.

Marissa Pierce, UM-Flint alumna, in the FIA’s glassworks studio.

Pierce’s decision to attend UM-Flint was an easy one. “I had always been a Michigan fan, and being able to get a Michigan degree close to home appealed to me,” she noted. “I also was drawn to the course offerings and small class sizes that made for a more ‘intimate’ educational experience.

“I chose to return for my Masters degree because I was interested in teaching and knew I would need the degree to position myself for that next step in my career,” Pierce continued. “I also consider myself a lifelong learner, and although I had vowed to not step foot in a school again until I took my child to kindergarten, I knew that continuing my education was important and would be worthwhile. It has not only helped my career, but also enriched my personal life.”

Choosing her path at UM-Flint

At UM-Flint, Pierce selected academic programs that gave her room to explore her strengths and interests, and that would allow her flexibility in her future career. “UM-Flint has great programs, committed faculty and staff, and continued growth that not only meets the needs of students, but the community,” she reflected. “Those strengths make it not just a good school, but a great one.

“What I loved about the Communication and English programs was the freedom. I was able to really tailor my college experience to my interests. I would definitely recommend these programs, because they both have a number of options career wise, and I have found that I have been able to ‘write my own ticket’ so to speak. The variety of options that have been available to me with these two degrees is astounding, and in many instances have been things I didn’t even realize I was interested in.”

Pierce found her UM-Flint faculty to not only be supportive mentors, but to be friends as well. She is still in touch with a number of them and they continue to be resources in her professional life. When considering her most influential faculty, Pierce noted Dr. Charles Apple of Communication Studies and Jan Worth-Nelson of English. “They were always available to chat and I knew they were not only committed to the success of the program, but to the students,” she reflected.

Pierce found many valuable experiences outside of the classroom as well. “I was a writer for the M-Times (UM-Flint’s student newspaper) and College Representative for Def Jam Records while in undergrad and those were some of my greatest experiences,” she said. “I began writing about entertainment in high school and continued that at the M-Times and I got to cover some great shows, including Ricky Martin during the ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ craze. And being a college representative for Def Jam was so much fun! I made some lifelong connections and one of my best friends still works there! I returned to write for the M-Times while working on my MA.”

Connecting Coursework and Community

In early 2018, the Flint Institute of Arts hosted Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence. The exhibit showcased bead art created by a community of women in South Africa and was featured as a community event by UM-Flint Africana Studies for their annual Africa Week celebration. It was also a chance for Pierce to connect her undergraduate minor and her career. “I loved learning not only about African American history, but also African history,” said Pierce as she reflected on her studies. “I think being able to make the connection and ‘bridge the gap,’ if you will, is essential to really understanding the history of African Americans in the United States.”

UM-Flint alumna Marissa Pierce at the Flint Institute of Arts

UM-Flint alumna Marissa Pierce at the Flint Institute of Arts

Pierce has found that the impact of her courses still strongly resonates in her life. “I frequently talk about how the classes were some of my favorites during my time at UM-Flint, and how what I learned has shaped me as a person. I think learning about your heritage at the collegiate level is always beneficial, and exciting. I learned things that made a light bulb go off, and had many ‘ah-ha’ moments. In my career, I am able to bring many of the things I learned into conversations as it has relates to working with different cultures and ethnicities in the community.

“Exhibitions like this and the programming in the Africana Studies Department are important because they allow you to see art and the world through a very different lens than many of us are used to,” continued Pierce. “It does really allow us to make connections between the African and African American experience, and see beyond what we already know. Learning, be it at the Flint Institute of Arts or through the Africana Studies Department not only benefits the student, but the people and greater community that student interacts with. It really is a win-win for everyone!”


UM-Flint students can take advantage of the many learning opportunities provided by the FIA through their College Town program that provides free membership to college students. Learn more at flintarts.org/join-and-give/college-town.

For information on Africana Studies, Communication Studies, and other programs and majors offered through UM-Flint’s College of Arts and Sciences, visit umflint.edu/CAS.