Meet the Staff

Melissa Grunow

Leadership Curriculum Coordinator

I am responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing all curricular objectives related to the undergraduate leadership curriculum at Lawrence Tech. I also teach for the Department of Humanities each semester.

My interest and involvement in leadership education stem from almost ten years of experience in working with student organizations and teaching undergraduates, including identifying needs and developing new initiatives for curricular and co-curricular programs. I have a vested interest in working with students to help them augment their leadership skills to achieve their personal, academic and professional goals. My research interests include activist pedagogies and empowering students through creative teaching methods.

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English with a minor in journalism from Central Michigan University and a Master of Arts in English from New Mexico State University. I have worked in the private sector for two small companies as a program coordinator and technical writer. In addition to my work at Lawrence Tech, I have also taught courses and worked with academic programs at New Mexico State University, Miami University of Ohio, Owens Community College, and Macomb Community College.

In addition to my passion for academic student leadership development, I am an avid runner competing in 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon races, usually for charitable causes. I also enjoy knitting, and donate many projects to organizations that provide support for premature babies and the homeless.

Katie Hayes

Entrepreneurship/Leadership Assistant Coordinator

I am responsible for overseeing the junior and senior year requirements for the leadership curriculum, and coordinating speakers, workshops and other co-curricular leadership experiences.  I also teach for the Department of Humanities.  Additionally, I assist in carrying out the initiatives outlined in a grant, "Integrating Entrepreneurial Mindset Education and Experiences Affecting All Undergraduate Engineering Students," which aims to inspire an entrepreneurial mindset throughout the educational experience.

I come to Lawrence Tech from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI, where I earned a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in Adult and Higher Education. I worked for the university as a writing consultant where I assisted student writers both in and out of the classroom, collaborated with faculty members, and conducted personal research in the field of student writing.  I then joined the Alumni Relations staff at GVSU, actively engaging alumni and community members with the university and with current students.  In this role I served as advisor for the Future Alumni Association, a student organization whose mission is to develop leadership and professional skills.

My passion about leadership education comes from a belief that critical thinking, communication skills, and professional development are essential components of shaping successful students.  Particular areas of interest to me include non-traditional student experiences and developing active learning experiences for students outside the classroom. 

Outside of work I enjoy watching movies, traveling, and spending time with my family.

Jessica Shaddawvine

AmeriCorps*VISTA

I am the first-ever AmeriCorps* VISTA placed at Lawrence Tech University through the university's partnership with Michigan Campus Compact.  I am here to help students, staff, and faculty find service opportunities within Southfield and surrounding communities. My primary responsibility is to promote a fully developed program of experiential learning and a culture of service that incorporates civic engagement and community outreach by coordinating, monitoring, and developing volunteer opportunities for undergraduate students.

Some programs I plan to implement during my time here include Alternative Spring Break, Alternative Weekends, Make a Difference Day, volunteer fairs, and continue the Martin Luther King Day of Service, and the annual LTU Day of Service.

I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Oakland University in May.  I have previously done an AmeriCorps term during the summer of 2007 in New Orleans, LA.  I have been involved with Alternative Spring Break and many local serving projects for the past six years.  I have a very strong passion for service and that is something I hope to spread throughout the entire campus. 

When I'm not serving the community I enjoy going to the cinema to see the latest movies, going out to eat at new restaurants, and riding my beach cruiser.

Davey McConnell

Student Assistant

I am a senior pursuing my Bachelor in Architecture degree in the College of Architecture and Design at Lawrence Technological University. I grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana, until I was 8 years old when my family moved to Grand Blanc, Michigan. I played on the varsity softball team at Grand Blanc High School. At my church, Torrey Road Baptist in Fenton, I have volunteered in the children's nursery, Vacation Bible School, bringing church service to nursing homes, and maintaining the church facilities. I feel no greater reward than when I am helping others.