GLEN OAKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Maintenance Assistant
- Support Staff Member
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- Disability and Support Services Advisor
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- Executive Director of of Academic Records and Registrar
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- MSU Program Coordinator
- Program Coordinator - Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology
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- Director of Early Middle College
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- Support Staff Member
- Executive Assistant to Associate Dean of Health Sciences / AAS - Glen Oaks Community
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- Director of Housing Operations and Residential Life
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- Institutional Research Assistant
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- Accounts Payable / Payroll Assistant / AAS - Glen Oaks Community
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- Director of Student Success and Advising
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- Chairman
- Principal of Gabridge & Co
Bruce Gosling, is a principal of Gabridge & Co., a licensed CPA firm, where he manages the operations of the Sturgis office.A graduate of Sturgis High School, Bruce earned an Associate of General Studies degree from Glen Oaks before transferring to Tri-State University (now Trine University) in Angola, Indiana, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with high honors.
In addition to serving since 2003 on the Board of Trustees at Glen Oaks, and serving as chair since November, 2016, Bruce volunteers a lot of time to other businesses and organizations as well. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Century Bank & Trust Co. since March, 2012.
Gosling received the Sturgis Citizen of the Year Award in 2019, was honored by the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce for volunteerism in 2017, and was named as one of the Outstanding Young Men in America in 1982.
And there's good reason for all those awards - as Bruce very much supports and cares about the community. He is active in a number of civic organizations including the Sturgis Kiwanis, the Sturgis Salvation Army Advisory Board and he was a member and past president of the Sturgis Exchange Club.
Bruce served as the founding member and treasurer on the Board of the Sturgis Neighborhood program. He has served in the St. Joseph County Conservation and Sportsman Club, Sturgis Historical Society, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Meridian Sun-Eagle Lodge #49 and he serves in his church - First United Methodist.
Bruce is a lifelong resident of St. Joseph County. He and his wife, Leslie, have three grown children, (Tamara, Joshua and Megan) all of whom attended and graduated from Glen Oaks Community College.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Coordinator / BBA - Western Michigan University
Carol Higgins was born and raised in Mendon, Michigan, although she graduated from Vicksburg High School. She took classes at Glen Oaks and Kalamazoo Valley Community College before transferring to Nazareth College where she earned her bachelor's in education. She received her master's from Western Michigan University in general science education and taught fourth and fifth grade science for 17 years at Marcellus Schools.
Carol is currently a substitute teacher at Mendon Schools, and she works part-time at Viva restaurant in Mendon. She previously worked at Monsanto Seed Lab in Constantine.
In the community, Carol served as chair of the SJC Conservation District Board for ten years and she currently remains on the board. She is a member of the Churches Earth Care team, the Friends of the St. Joseph River Board, Mendon Women's Club, and the SJC Solid Waste Committee. Recently, she has worked with Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County to establish the Mendon Housing Initiative with hopes of building a habitat home in Mendon next year.
Gardening is Carol's passion and she is a master gardener through Michigan State University.
She and her husband, Larry, enjoy golf. They have six grown children all married and living in Michigan, and eight grandchildren with another on the way. Her granddaughter is a third generation Glen Oaks' student. They enjoy water activities, walking and biking.
Job Titles:
- IT Support Specialist / AASB - Glen Oaks Community
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- Director of Allied Health / BS - Central Michigan University / AAS - Macomb Community
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- EMC Assistant / AASB - Glen Oaks Community
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- Instructor, Graphic Design
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- Support Staff Member
- Assistant to Vice - President of Academics / Faculty
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- Dual Enrollment Coordinator
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- Support Staff Member
- Maintenance Assistant / Coursework - Glen Oaks Community
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- Executive Assistant to the Director of Fitness and Wellness Center / Coursework - Glen Oaks Community
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- Admissions Representative
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- Professor, Communications
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- College President
- President / Professor
David H. Devier is in his 46 th year in education. Before coming to Glen Oaks Community College, he served as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Clark State Community College, Springfield, OH; for six years; as Dean/CEO of Clermont College, the University of Cincinnati for five years; as Dean of Industrial and Engineering Technologies, Owens State Community College, Toledo, OH, for five years; and sixteen years as Chair and Professor of the Department of Technology, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH. Among his many professional accomplishments, is his work with the Higher Learning Commission as a Consultant-Evaluator and serving numerous professional organizations in leadership positions. He has written extensively and presented at numerous state and national conferences. Recently, he was selected as CEO of the Year for the Central Region of the Association of Community College Trustees.
Dr. Devier holds a BA from Ohio Northern University, a MA from Kent State University, and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. He has been married to Patty for 42 years and they have one son, Britton, who is a technology education teacher and football coach.
His many hobbies include classic auto restoration, antique furniture restoration, home renovation, woodworking, photography, and collecting memorabilia related to Ada, Ohio and Ohio Northern University.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant to the VP of Academicsÿ
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- Professor, Data Processing / Computers
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- Executive Associate to President and Board of Trustees / Coursework - Glen Oaks Community
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- Vice - President
- Vice - President of Academics
Dr. Adam L. Cloutier joined Glen Oaks as the vice-president of academics in July, 2022. He was previously the dean of arts and sciences at Lakeland Community College where he worked since 2018. Prior to his work at Lakeland, he held various academic related positions from 2006-2018 at Henry Ford College including director of academic affairs, and director of teaching and learning services. Prior to that he was a full-time math faculty member and taught a wide range of math courses.
Adam has a doctorate in community college leadership from Ferris State University, a master's and bachelor's in mathematics from Michigan State University and an associate of science from Delta College.
Adam has served as a volunteer with a number of different community organizations that more recently include the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the LCC Charitable Giving Committee. Under his leadership, he has started new programs, received the American Association of Geographers Award for Associate's Program Excellence in 2020, and was awarded multiple grants including one from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Adam is married to his high school sweetheart, Erin, and has three daughters. He enjoys spending time with his kids and being in the great outdoors. His hobbies are fishing, camping, biking, and gardening. The Cloutier family also consists of several cats, dogs, chickens, and one rabbit.
Job Titles:
- Professor, Business Administration / DBA - Argosy University, Sarasota
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- Professor, Psychology / Student Success
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- Executive Director of Institutional Planning, Assessment and Research
Elizabeth Datkovic was born in Peru, and came to the United States as an adult with a master's in communications from the University of Catholic Santa Maria. Upon graduation in 1980, she and her two children moved to Sturgis, where her sister was living. Although she spoke four languages, English was not one of them. She moved to New York City and attended Queens College where she learned English and basic computers. She returned to Michigan and attended MSU where she completed her second masters' degree in adult education. She came back to Sturgis with her family and taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and Spanish for 17 years within Sturgis Public Schools and others.
Elizabeth also opened Centro de Ayuda in 1998 a non-profit organization in Sturgis to help and educate the newcomers, provide social interaction and work on social issues.
As if all this wasn't enough, Elizabeth purchased Fiesta Mexicana, a Mexican restaurant in Sturgis and operated it with her husband, Tony, for over 12 years.
Elizabeth received the Outstanding Leadership award from the State of Michigan in 2001, was named Sturgis Citizen of the Year in 2002, received the Hispanic Advocate Civil Duty award in 2003 from the Telamon Farmworkers Corporation, and because of her work in establishing Centro de Ayuda she received the St. Joseph County Liberty Bell award.
Job Titles:
- Professor, Information Processing
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- Web & Information Systems Associate / AAS - Glen Oaks Community
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- Director of Information Technology
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- Professor, Math / Science
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- Professor, Computer - Aided Design & Drafting
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- Director of Human Resources / BBA - Robert B. Miller College
- Membership
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- Director of Financial Aid
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- Professor, Social Science / Humanities / Study Abroad
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- Chief Financial Officer
- Controller
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- Instructor, Automotive Technology
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- Shareholder
- Trustee
- Member of the St. Joseph County Bar Association
P. Joseph Haas, Jr., was raised in Mendon, having graduated from Mendon High School in 1984. He attended Kalamazoo College, where he earned a bachelor's of arts degree in economics, and then enrolled in the University of Kentucky College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate.
Joe is a shareholder in the law firm of HaasCaywood PC, which has offices in Sturgis and Coldwater.
Joe is a member of the St. Joseph County Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and Indiana Bar Association.
Joe has presented and instructed for numerous seminars as well as Glen Oaks Community College, the St. Joseph County Human Resources Council and the Michigan Finance Officers Association.
Actively involved in the community, Joe has served and has held officer positions in a large number of organizations including the Sturgis City Commission, Sturgis Exchange Club, Sturgis Elks, Sturgis Hospital, Sturgis Area Community Foundation, Sturgis Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph County United Way, St. Joseph County Transportation Authority, and many others - too numerous to mention.
Joe was named Sturgis Citizen of the Year in 2015 by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce.
Joe and his wife, Joyce, have two grown sons Patrick and Jacob, their daughter-in-law Cassidy, and two grandsons Phin and Oliver.
Job Titles:
- Maintenance Assistant
- Support Staff Member
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- Support Staff Member
- Custodian / Coursework - Washtenaw Community
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- Librarian
- Support Staff Member
- Technician
Job Titles:
- CTE Teaching Academy, Education
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- Support Staff Member
- Executive Assistant to Director of Financial Aid
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- Professor, Physical Education
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- Professor, Information Technology
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- Professor, English / Communication
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- Treasurer
- President / Owner of Locey
Kimberlee Bontrager is president/owner of Locey CPA, in Sturgis, a public accounting firm serving clients with accounting, audit and tax related matters.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Outreach and Services
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- Assistant to the VP of Student Services / Registration and Records / AS - Glen Oaks Community
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- Dean for Advanced Technologies and Public Service
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- Director of Building and Grounds / Michigan State Police Academy
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- Professor, Business / Accounting
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- Custodial Supervisor / Coursework - Glen Oaks Community
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- Communications and Marketing Assistant
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- Assistant Director of Financial Aid / Academic Advisor
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- Support Staff Member
- Custodian / Coursework - Glen Oaks Community
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Learning Commons Clerk
Job Titles:
- Maintenance Assistant
- Support Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Professor, Communications
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- Learning Commons Clerk / AASB - Glen Oaks Community
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- Support Staff Member
- Custodian / Coursework - Glen Oaks Community
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Custodian
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Maintenance Assistant / Corrections Academy
Job Titles:
- Professor, Physical Education
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- Instructor, Allied Health
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- Asst. Director of the Learning Commons
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- Professor, Agricultural Technology
Richard H. Cordes (Rick), a graduate of Mendon Community Schools, was one of the pioneering students at Glen Oaks Community College, attending classes during its inaugural session held at the old White Pigeon Middle School. Rick earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan School of Journalism and furthered his education with a master's degree from Western Michigan University's College of Education.
Rick brings a wealth of experience to the Board of Trustees, having served as a dedicated teacher and principal at Colon Community Schools. His journalistic background is highlighted by his tenure as a respected contributor to the Three Rivers Commercial-News.
A strong advocate for local education, Rick has tirelessly championed the unique opportunities provided by our county's school of higher education. He has demonstrated his commitment by chairing two separate Glen Oaks Community College millage campaign committees over the decades.
Beyond his contributions to education, Rick is an active member of the community. He has lent his expertise to various boards and committees, including Three Rivers Health, Beacon Three Rivers Health Auxiliary, Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority, and Camp Wakeshma, among others.
In his leisure time, Rick and his wife Laurel reside on Fishers Lake in Three Rivers, where they indulge in water sports. They regularly travel across the U.S. to visit their six grown children, 13 grandchildren as well as five cats and seven dogs.
Job Titles:
- Professor, Music / Data Processing
Job Titles:
- Director of Institutional Innovation
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- Secretary
- Independent Insurance Agent at Preferred Insurance Service of Sturgis
Rod Lopez is an independent insurance agent at Preferred Insurance Service of Sturgis, where he writes policies and works to find the best coverage and premium match for his clients. He sells policies for property loss including natural disasters and vandalism and provides customer support for his clients.
Previously employed at Diversified Machine, in Bristol, Indiana, Rod was a human resources generalist/manager, serving as part of the leadership team to provide advice, counsel, and interpretation to management on all human resource initiatives, policies, procedures and practices that impact company performance, improve employee satisfaction, and ensure compliance with state, local and federal guidelines and policies to protect the business and its employee.
Rod earned an Associate in Business from Glen Oaks and went on to receive both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Davenport University, in Kalamazoo.
Rod, and his wife, Maribel, reside in Sturgis, and have four grown children. His daughter, Alyssa, took advantage of the Early Middle College Program to the fullest. While at Sturgis High School; she received 42 college credits from Glen Oaks, and every single one transferred to Western Michigan University to further her studies.
Job Titles:
- Professor - English / Literature / Photography
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- Associate Dean of Health Sciences
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- Professor, Information Processing
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- Professor, Physical Education
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- Professor, English / Physical Education
Job Titles:
- Vice - President of Student Services
- Vice President of Student Services & Title IX Coordinator
Tonya Howden is the Vice President of Student Services at Glen Oaks Community College and has worked in education for over 25 years. Howden began her career at Glen Oaks Community College as the Director of Admissions and moved into the roles of Asst. Dean of Students, Dean of Students, and VP of Student Services. In her current position, she oversees all departments within the Student Services Division (Admissions, Early/Middle College, Dual Enrollment, Advising/Counseling, Registration and Records, TRIO Student Support Services, Financial Aid, Student Housing, Student Clubs and Organizations, Student Activities, Student Conduct, and Title IX). She is involved in local and state organizations and serves as the current President of the Michigan Community College Student Services Association. She has presented at state and national conferences on topics related to student success, student learning outcomes, and various education initiatives. Prior to her work in higher education, Howden was a secondary English and Communications teacher for twelve years in Kansas.
Howden obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Science in Education with a specialization in Enrollment Management from Capella University.
She and her husband Kevin have two children, Logan and Landon. Her hobbies include playing games with her kids, reading, writing, playing volleyball, shopping, and spending time at the lake with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Learning Commons Clerk / AASB - Glen Oaks Community
Job Titles:
- Director of Learning Commons
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Job Titles:
- Executive Director, Glen Oaks Foundation / JD - Valparaiso University School of Law
Job Titles:
- CTE Teaching Academy, Education