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Prestigious program now in 14th year

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid

Michael Williams, Director of Financial Aid, has been named a member of the Michigan Chronicle’s latest class of Men of Excellence.

The Michigan Chronicle Men of Excellence Awards, in its 14th year, recognizes local African American men who inspire others through their vision, leadership, exceptional achievements, and participation in community service. They are men who exemplify extraordinary stature, poise and integrity who continue to break the mold and effect change in their professions and community.

Williams’ leadership, ability and overall professional excellence as Director of Financial Aid at Schoolcraft College are vital to connecting Schoolcraft College students to the financial resources they need to complete their educational goals. The basic responsibilities of his role include ensuring compliance with federal and state legislation, Title IV administration, and regulatory requirements for all student aid programs.

Of particular note, Williams oversaw the department that dispersed a total of $14,192,651 of federal aid from three waves of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, with every dollar accounted for in an independent audit.

Williams also actively develops plans to inform and educate students about all aspects of financial aid as well as streamlining processes to deliver financial aid. Williams’ acumen and passion have been noted by his peers as he has been elected to serve in leadership roles in several prominent state and regional organizations, including:

  • President and Vice President of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association
  • State of Michigan Representative of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
  • State of Michigan Representative of the Midwest Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

“I’m extremely honored to be one of this year’s Men of Excellence,” Williams said. “I’m deeply appreciative of the role the Michigan Chronicle plays in our community to ensure Black voices are heard and acknowledged, and I sincerely thank them for including me in this year’s class of Men of Excellence.”

In addition to his work at Schoolcraft College, Williams willingly gives back to the community and acts as a mentor in several ways. As a youth football coach for nearly 20 years, for example, including the last seven with the Detroit Spartans, he has mentored hundreds of young people. He’s helped them on a path of success that includes college scholarships, doctors, entrepreneurs and even pro football players – all with a message of becoming positive and productive members of their community. Williams also has willingly lent his professional expertise to adults in teaching them the principles of saving to help secure a more stable financial future.

Williams and the rest of this year’s Men of Excellence class will be inducted on Thursday, January 27, at The Eastern in the Eastern Market area of Detroit.

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Dr. King’s message is more important than ever

Christopher Hunter, Director of Equity and Engagement

Good morning,

I am Christopher Hunter, Director of Equity and Engagement for Schoolcraft College. First, I would like to thank you for selecting me as your representative to make this environment welcoming and successful for everyone. I look forward to working with you to continue this institution’s progress towards Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Justice.

Today we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in uncertain times. We as a nation haven’t been this polarized for decades. Or, perhaps the advances of technology have allowed us to livestream just how divided we have been. The true meaning of democracy is under a 3D microscope while the designs of hatred are coming through a 3D Printer.

However, I am encouraged because it is in our darkest moments when we see the stars. The rumblings in the streets have feet marching together from communities once forbidden to congregate. We are no longer marching to the same tune; that status quo song that enables injustice. The voices of the voiceless are breaking through the veil of oppression. The most tragic expression and prejudice of humankind’s inhumanity toward humanity can no longer rule as a dominant paradigm. As Dr. King would say, we are becoming drum majors that instinctively respond to the changes necessary to make this nation great. Schoolcraft College is immersed in the waves of change and dedicated to balancing the scales of justice.

Dr. King at a press conference in Washington, D.C., 1964

Let’s remember why we are celebrating this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As we are all influencers in our way, let us influence what is excellent in us as a people. Let’s not forget to look at who is next to us, and more importantly, who is behind us. Let’s ask if there is a way we may utilize our privileges to love and serve humanity. Dr. King once said that a person who does not have something for which they are willing to die is not fit to live. He was ready to die for love, justice, and truth. So, let us live and fight for the same mission. In our unity, Dr. King’s Dream will be our reality.

Thank you,

Christopher A. Hunter
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Director of Equity and Engagement
Schoolcraft College

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Today for our Faculty Spotlight story we’re sitting down with Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs, to learn more about the many programs related to Radiology that Schoolcraft College has recently added and will be taught in the new Health Sciences Center.

Schoolcraft College: Hello, Jufauri! Please tell us a little about your background and what led you to Schoolcraft College.

Jufauri Ely: I have been a registered radiographer for over 21 years with history working as a Technologist, Lead Technologist, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging and currently an educator. I hold an Associate Degree in Applied Science Radiology from Ferris State University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration from Madonna University, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. It was essential for me to find a position that helped students know their role as a health professional and how they could positively improve the lives of patients.

I wanted to work with Schoolcraft College specifically because they were responsive to the vast need for medical imaging professionals. They have created new in-demand occupational programs, designed a state-of-the-art imaging facility, and secured the latest equipment in diagnostic imaging. When the students complete these programs, they will find gainful employment and earn excellent salaries in a short period of time.

Schoolcraft College: What inspired you to become a certified radiologic technologist?

Jufauri Ely: I always wanted to be a scientist. When I was 16 I broke my thumb and went to Children’s Hospital to get it diagnosed and set. I thought it was interesting watching the doctors and technologists work, and I thought it would be a great job with two years of school and an associate degree. I received my degree and kept going for nine more years because medical imaging is an exciting field!

Schoolcraft College: Please give a high-level description of what will be taught and what students will learn.

Jufauri Ely: Schoolcraft College has added some of the most in-demand imaging programs in existence. We currently have a Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS degree, which prepare students to use specialized equipment to create diagnostic images of the internal structures of the human body. Though these technologies are quite different, they both can provide information to a radiologist to interpret. Through interpretation we find pathology, function and information that we can use to the patient’s benefit.

We also offer post-primary certifications in Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT). These programs allow students to further their education while gaining a new skill. Students will learn how to create 2D and 3D images in varying anatomical planes. They may be imaging cross-sectional anatomy or helping to identify a tumor.

Imaging technologists provide essential services to the community. We make the invisible visible, while being on the front lines. We are there prior to the diagnosis and we are involved in a multitude of health areas for the well-being of patients. We are part of the health team participating where there are injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and for injury prevention and generalized pain.

Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs

Schoolcraft College: Please tell us about some of the equipment.

Jufauri Ely: Schoolcraft College is providing advanced facilities, labs and equipment that are the standard in any major hospital. We will have the latest digital X-ray equipment and sonography machines. We also will be housed in a brand-new facility that allows for collaboration group work and real-world experiences. Other occupational health programs, such as Nursing, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Surgical Technology, also will be housed in the Health Sciences Center. This essentially allows the health team to work together as a unit.

Schoolcraft College: What are some of the careers that students enter after leaving your program? How does this program help in their career path?

Jufauri Ely: Upon completion of the program, students will become Radiographers, Sonographers, Mammographers, CT/MRI Technologists, Medical Imaging applications specialist or technical sales representatives. There are a plethora of paths that one can take in this field. We ensure that the imaging programs have rigor, work experiences, and a positive learning environment. We meet with hospital system administrators to build relationships and affiliation agreements. We help students to identify what types of positions they want, and we track their success at finding related employment.

Schoolcraft College: What do you want people to know most about your program? Are there any misconceptions people might have that you’d like to address?

Jufauri Ely: Medical imaging programs are high in demand because of the employment and salary opportunities. With the employment outlook being positive and median salary close to $60,000, it’s hard to find anything comparable.

One misconception is that these programs are easier to complete than other health programs. They require tons of commitment and empathy, and a passion for helping others. Medical imaging professionals work in surgical areas and perform exams after traumatic events. We do a lot more and see a lot more than most people realize.

Schoolcraft College: What advice might you give students who are interested in the medical imaging programs?

Jufauri Ely: You should enjoy technology, work to excel in math, anatomy, physiology and have a strong interest in science. The program is limited by our clinical availability, so if you are interested, first work with a Schoolcraft advisor. You can also work on the prerequisite classes and make sure you keep your grade point average up to become enrolled in the program.

Learn more about the Medical Imaging programs at Schoolcraft College.

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Will work across campus on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA)

Schoolcraft College has selected Christopher Hunter as its first Director of Equity and Engagement. Hunter previously served as CORE (Collectively Oakland Retains Everyone) Program Coordinator, Center for Multicultural Initiatives, at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. He began his position on Monday, January 10, 2022, and reports to Schoolcraft College President Dr. Glenn Cerny.

Christopher Hunter
Christopher Hunter, Director of Equity and Engagement

Director of Equity and Engagement (DEE) is a new position for the College, which is committed to the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) across its campus. A particular focus will be to work with Schoolcraft College faculty, staff and students to assess and develop college-wide initiatives that support the College’s overall strategic plan to integrate IDEA best practices into all processes and infrastructure.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Christopher Hunter to our team at Schoolcraft College,” Dr. Cerny said. “He is eminently qualified to lead the many initiatives to ensure IDEA will be inherent in the framework of all the College does. We look forward to furthering our progress and creating an even more inclusive and equitable environment for our students, faculty, staff and community members.”

Hunter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wayne State University in Political Science and Government. He is working toward a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration and serves in leadership positions across a variety of organizations throughout Southeast Michigan.

“One of the key attributes Christopher possesses is long-term vision, which will especially enhance the College’s overall strategic plan,” Dr. Cerny added. “He also has an impressive and vast network of contacts both in and beyond higher education, which will be a great benefit to Schoolcraft College.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to help lead Schoolcraft College’s equity and engagement efforts,” Hunter said. “I know the College has been working hard on many important initiatives to raise equity and engagement. I look forward to meeting everyone, getting to work and, most important, creating the inclusive environment that everyone associated with Schoolcraft College deserves.”

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Registration is now open

A collaboration with Google to offer the Google IT Support Certificate is one of many new courses available from Schoolcraft College’s Personal and Professional Learning (PPL) department for the Winter 2022 schedule. Registration is now open and runs through April 25.

The Google IT Support Certificate is

  • Designed to help those with no experience prepare for entry-level jobs in IT Support in less than six months
  • Taught by Google employees who began in IT Support
  • Facilitated by a Schoolcraft College instructor with CompTIA A+ certification, who provides direct support for students

“We are extremely pleased to offer the Google IT Support Certificate for the Winter 2022 schedule,” said Dr. Jodie Beckley, Director, Personal & Professional Learning. “This course is open to students 16 years and older, so this is a great way for high school students to prepare for a career in IT.”

Potential careers the Google IT Support Certificate prepares students for include:

  • Database administrator
  • IT specialist
  • Tech support specialist
  • Systems analyst
  • Network engineer
  • Help desk technician
  • IT support specialist
  • IT technician
  • Computer user specialist
  • IT assistant

Dr. Beckley noted several additional benefits for students who complete the Google IT Support Certificate.

“Upon completing the course, students can claim a Credly Badge to share on LinkedIn and other social networks,” she said. “Google also provides access to a local IT recruiter through Career Circle as well as access to Big Interview to receive assistance in preparing for job interviews.

“Finally, students will receive a 20% discount on the CompTIA A+ certification exam if they would like to take it.”

New courses offered; favorites return

PPL registration booklet cover
The Personal & Professional Learning (PPL) Winter 2022 Schedule is now available.

Several other all-new courses as well as the return of some favorites also are part of PPL’s Winter 2022 offering.

“From the return of our full aquatics, to new languages, art and self-defense classes and more, PPL has something for everyone,” Dr. Beckley said.

The popular Dine & Discover series returns as well with two new topics: Coney Detroit: The Capital of a Coney Nation and Raising Butterflies in the Garden

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Schoolcraft College ceramics students, Culinary Operations donate bowls and food

Schoolcraft College’s Empty Bowl Luncheon is a great way to get a hearty meal, take home a new bowl and help ease hunger – all at once.

This year’s Empty bowl Luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1, in the Wilson Room inside of Henry’s in the VisTaTech Center.

  • People looking at a table of ceramic bowls
    Photo 1
  • Someone pouring soup into a bowl
    Photo 2
Photo 1: Attendees can purchase a handcrafted bowl created and donated by Schoolcraft College ceramics students.
Photo 2: Schoolcraft Culinary Operations donates hearty soup and fresh-baked bread.

Attendees can purchase a handcrafted bowl created and donated by Schoolcraft College ceramics students, with all proceeds going to the Schoolcraft Student Food Pantry. Along with their purchase, they will receive a bowl of soup and fresh-baked bread donated by Schoolcraft Culinary Operations.

The College’s food pantry is open to all members of the campus community and is committed to trying to address hunger and food insecurity issues on campus. Donations of non-perishable, non-expired food items are gladly accepted throughout the year. Donations can be placed in the collection bins in campus buildings or dropped off at the Student Activities Office in the lower level of the VisTaTech Center.

Learn more about the Schoolcraft Food Pantry.

Also, you can make your gift to the Food Pantry through the Schoolcraft College Foundation at schoolcraft.edu/giving. Select Food Pantry under the gift designation box.