Kellogg Community College alumna Danyelle Gregory gained valuable experience from her time spent at KCC between 2007 and 2009, which helped her decide which career path she wanted to pursue.
Gregory, 31, was a Gold Key Scholar at KCC who initially planned on becoming a physical therapist. However, after working as a student worker for the Legacy Scholars and Upward Bound programs, she fell in love with college access work.
“I realized that my passion lies with serving the under-served and providing support and access to students and families,” Gregory says.
Now Gregory has a master’s degree and oversees the Michigan GEAR UP Program – a college access program similar to the Upward Bound Program at KCC – as coordinator of pre-college programs in the Office of Multicultural Student Services at Ferris State University. She credits KCC with shaping who she is as a higher education and student affairs professional.
“KCC groomed and cared enough about me to ensure that resources and support were available,” Gregory says. “I feel that I have a responsibility to myself and the students I serve to pay it forward.”
Today Gregory is working on a Doctorate in Community College Leadership at Ferris State University, with hopes to graduate in April 2019. Eventually she’d like to become a dean of student life at a community college or a small four-year school, but her ultimate goal is to become a vice president of student affairs.
“KCC strongly influenced my passion for serving students and taught me that students are first priority,” Gregory says. “I know that if it had not been for the support and resources I received at KCC, I would not be where I am today. So to KCC and all faculty, staff and students, I say thank you for being my foundation.”
Register for Fall Classes
Registration for classes offered during KCC’s Fall 2018 semester opens June 4! For more information, visit www.kellogg.edu/registration.
What’s Your KCC Story?
What’s your KCC story? Share it on social media using the hashtag #KCCstory or send it to us via the online form linked from www.kellogg.edu/kccstories.