Feb 25, 2015 | Intercom, Student News
February 25, 2015
Back in 2012, as one of NMC’s pioneer students in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Brad Kent found himself with a job offer before he’d even finished his training, and headed overseas for six-figure work as a civilian contractor. Now, as approvals for domestic use of UAS rise by the week, Kent and fellow former NMC students are poised to help guide the industry’s development into its second, commercial phase.
NMC was on the forefront of unmanned aircraft training, offering its first classes in the fall of 2010. Students like Kent (front row, second from right) and Darrell Trueblood (back row, far right) found getting in on the ground floor paid off, literally
“Before I even finished my degree I had placement in industry,” said Kent, 24, of Traverse City. He and Trueblood, 35, are among four NMC pilots now deployed in Afghanistan as civilian contractors with an Arizona-based manufacturer of UAS.
They provide force protection services to military, a job both see as worthy and important. Lengthy deployments and life on a military installation create a trade-off, however. “Balancing the benefits of income vs. the moments you miss with your friends and family becomes the tough part,” said Trueblood, who is married and a father to three. His wife and three children live in Tennessee.
“It puts a strain on relationships, it puts a strain on a social life,” said Kent, who still says it’s an “amazing experience” to work overseas.
UAS industry gets go-ahead to expand
Now, however, the strains and trade-offs are easing as the UAS industry gets the go-ahead to expand domestically.
Until 2014, the FAA strictly limited use of UAS vehicles in U.S. airspace. The first commercial exemption was granted in June 2014, allowing surveillance of oil fields in Alaska. Since December 2014, the FAA has approved more than 20 other exemptions for uses ranging from photography to agriculture.
Kent anticipates returning stateside later this year, to corporate headquarters in Tucson, Ariz. He’ll work on UAS research and development and train other pilots to fill the vast number of openings the industry expects as commercial permissions expand. “With pending FAA regulations for Unmanned Aerial Systems on the very near horizon, growth in this industry will be immense. Activities like movie production, agriculture monitoring, and infrastructure inspection will become an everyday occurrence, requiring trained professionals,” said Tony Sauerbrey, UAS program manager.
“This career field will grow exponentially in the coming years, both with pilots and support staff,” Trueblood agreed. His advice to prospective students is to be open to change.
“What you know today may be different from what you learn tomorrow. Be willing to continuously learn and continue your education,” he said.
It was that kind of attitude that led Kent to enroll in the first UAS classes.
“At the time it was a couple classes that you could add on if you were going through the manned aviation program,” Kent said. “NMC was very cool in the fact that they were willing to offer classes like that, new technologies.”
Sauerbrey said NMC will continue to grow with the industry and plans to offer full UAS pilot certification once the FAA finalizes regulations. NMC will also continue to work with leading UAS companies to provide a conduit for students seeking to enter the industry.
Feb 24, 2015 | Intercom
Here is an informal account of the Northwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees meeting, Monday, February 23, 2015.
Details on the actions items and reports are contained in the Board Packet available online. (more…)
Feb 24, 2015 | Intercom
February 24, 2015
How do you transform a two-time college dropout into a Dean’s List student?
Give her a bridge and a foundation. Walk her over and shore it up.
In 1998 Lindsey Grice enrolled at NMC, fresh out of Traverse City Central High School and mother to a newborn daughter. It didn’t go well.
“I just failed miserably. It wasn’t something I knew about. I had a full course load and a little baby and it was too much,” Grice said.
She tried again a decade later. By 2008 she was a mother to three, including a son with intensive mental health needs. Grice had to take six credits and earn a 2.0 in order to keep her financial aid. Her attendance was spotty due to her son’s care giving demands, and she did well in one class but not the other. She lost her financial aid and dropped out a second time.
Fast-forward to 2014. A friend told Grice, now 34, about NMC’s Bridge program. Created for nontraditional students attending college for the first time or returning after past attempts, Bridge endeavors to lay a foundation for student success. Just last year, the program was redesigned so that what were formerly preparatory classes are now for-credit. Significantly, that makes Bridge students eligible for financial aid.
Coordinating Student Success
NMC Student Success Coordinator Ashley Darga walked Grice through the process of petitioning to reinstate her financial aid. Regulations have changed to favor students like Grice, Darga said.
“I was able to get my Pell grant to be able to take classes this fall,” Grice said. Her foundation steadied.
Almost simultaneously her son Brandon, now 15, entered a residential school, further firming her foundation.
“I’ve taken care of him completely. Now he’s receiving help out of the home (and) he’s doing really well,” Grice said. “I’m able to focus on my studies instead of spending every waking moment worrying about him.”
Finally, her daughter Ashley—the newborn during Grice’s first college stint—now 16 and a high school junior, threw down the gauntlet.
“She kind of challenged me,” Grice said. “My oldest daughter is getting ready to graduate, and she had mentioned to me that I should go back and get back my classes before she does.”
That challenge completed the foundation underpinning Grice’s turnaround. Bridge students take nine credits (five classes) their first semester. Grice earned a 4.0 and made the dean’s list.
“I think I was really determined this time,” she said, citing one class, Academic Study Methods, as a key.
“I’ve learned what things I can utilize through the school. I know there’s tutoring, I know there’s all that stuff, but actually using it I feel more confident.”
Transforming students to active participants
Instructor Shannon Owen said transforming students from passive to active participants in their education is another crucial piece of college success.
“They have to advocate for their own needs. We don’t know they’re struggling or that they don’t understand concepts,” Owen said.
Grice started out strong and only improved over the semester, turning in assignments early, Owen said.
“She’s got such motivation and heart. It’s great to see students succeed and watch that happen throughout the semester.”
Grice’s long-term aim is a business management degree. More immediately, she’s focused on next semester’s classes, especially English 111. It will be the fourth time she’s attempted the class. This time she’ll have a study partner: daughter Ashley, registered in the same course as a dual-enrolled student.
“It’s hard for me (but) I am ready for it,” Grice said.
Feb 23, 2015 | Intercom, Student News, Tech Tips
Ever notice how sometimes web browsers and/or programs that you use everyday suddenly stop working? Sometimes its the applications themselves, but their is one little trick, called Cache Clearing, that often fixes the problem right then and there. (more…)
Feb 23, 2015 | Intercom, Student News
Sodexo needs your feedback! Now through March 4 please fill out a customer satisfaction survey! This is a great way to let Sodexo know how they can better serve you. Because they value your input so much you will receive a 30% off coupon for completing the survey! Please click here to participate. (more…)
Feb 20, 2015 | Intercom
If you are looking for benefit, pay, career opportunities, recognition, or work/life balance information please visit the updated Total Compensation Page: https://employees.nmc.edu/depts/human-resources/total-compensation/index.html. (more…)
Feb 20, 2015 | Intercom
Are you looking for career opportunities? Find it here! jobs.nmc.edu. Current openings include:
Nursing Instructor – OB/PEDS
Psychology Instructor
Sociology Instructor
CIT Developer Instructor
CIT Infrastructure Instructor
Counselor (more…)
Feb 20, 2015 | Intercom
Kudos to the following people and departments! (more…)
Feb 20, 2015 | Intercom
The following employees are celebrating an anniversary soon. Please join us in congratulating them! (more…)
Feb 20, 2015 | Intercom, Student News
Over 30 university representatives will be on NMC’s campus on Wednesday, March 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to talk with students, staff and faculty about their programs and the transfer process. The university representatives will be in two locations:
- Welcome Center in Science/Math Building
- West Hall – Main Level
This is your opportunity to discuss transfer requirements and get information on degrees available at a variety of schools without having to travel to each university. Bring your questions and explore your options! (more…)
Feb 20, 2015 | Intercom
One of our favorite events is on the calendar and will be here soon! Invitations will be sent in a couple weeks, so watch your mailbox for party details. Here is the list of employees who will be receiving a Service Award at this year’s event. Please call Human Resources at 995-2612 by March 4 if you have any additions or corrections to the list. (more…)
Feb 20, 2015 | Intercom, Student News
The Library has purchased 127 new books so far this new year. You can view a handful here or click here to see the full listing. These books are on display in the lobby of the Library’s lobby. (more…)
Feb 19, 2015 | Intercom, Student News
Join fellow writers at NMC’s free weekly writing workshop for folks experienced with housing vulnerability. The public are welcome and you do not need to be a registered NMC student to attend. The workshop take place on Tuesdays from 7 – 9 p.m. in Scholars Hall 209. Writing supplies will be provided.
For more info contact: Susan Odgers at (231) 392-6843, cell/text or sodgers@nmc.edu.
(more…)
Feb 19, 2015 | Intercom
The Aero Park Professional Testing Center has added two certification testing partners – Kryterion and Certification Testing Center. (more…)
Feb 19, 2015 | Intercom, Student News
TRAVERSE CITY — A creative writing workshop for veterans will again be offered in spring semester, with regular monthly meetings held from 10 a.m. to noon the third Friday of the month in Scholars Hall room 101. Future meetings will be held March 20 and April 17.
In addition, open office hours will be offered to veterans weekly, from 3 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday in Scholars Hall room 102. Veterans can get writing support for academic writing assignments or other writing projects.
For more information, contact Teresa Scollon (231) 383-2958.
Release date: January 6, 2015
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY NOTICE
Northwestern Michigan College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, height, weight, marital status or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. nmc.edu/non-discrimination
Feb 18, 2015 | Intercom, Welcome to NMC
Christopher Kavran joined NMC as the Lead Accounting Assistant on February 10, 2015. He can be reached at (231) 995-2320 or ckavran@nmc.edu.
Chris was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He met his wife, Jennifer, while they were both finishing their Bachelors’ degrees at Eastern Michigan University (BBA in Accounting for Chris.) They moved to Traverse City in 2005 after Jennifer completed her Veterinary studies at Michigan State University. Chris worked in the accounting departments for health care, automotive, child care, and most recently financial institutions. His position for the last eight and a half years was with 4Front Credit Union (formerly Members Credit Union) before joining the college. Chris enjoy reading, music, and movies in his free time. He stays active by kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, and practicing Judo here at NMC. In addition, he also volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan. Chris and Jennifer also have three cats and three birds. (more…)
Feb 18, 2015 | Intercom, Welcome to NMC
Please join us in welcoming these new additions to our NMC staff! (more…)
Feb 17, 2015 | Intercom, Student News, Tech Tips
Technology grows and adapts at a staggering rate, and as such so does the interaction between office programs. For years Microsoft office was the automatic choice for word processing, image displays, presentations and spreadsheets for the vast majority of users, and while it is still important, there are unique and widely used advantages in using the Google Office equivalent as well. The interaction between the two is very different and as such it is beneficial to know how to go back and forth between the two. (more…)
