Meet the Staff

Melissa Grunow

Director, Leadership Programs and First Year Experience

I am responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing all curricular objectives related to the undergraduate leadership courses, supporting leadership programs, and all first year experiences and retention programs at Lawrence Tech. I also provide advising and guidance for students looking to study abroad.

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 English courses and worked with academic programs at New Mexico State University, Miami University of Ohio, Madonna University, Oakland Community College, and Owens Community College in Toledo.

In addition to my passion for academic student leadership development, I am quite active in service and volunteer work, both with Lawrence Tech students and on my own time. I am an avid runner competing in races, usually for charitable causes. I am a member of the Board of Directors for Reconstruction Efforts Aiding Children without Homes (REACH). I also enjoy knitting, practicing yoga, renovating my house, taking care of my three cats, and international and domestic travel.

Katie Hayes

Entrepreneurship/Leadership Coordinator

I am responsible for overseeing the junior 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.

 Davey McConnell

Office Assistant

I am a recent graduate of Lawrence Tech. I received my Bachelor in Architecture degree in the College of Architecture and Design in December 2010. 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. 

First Year Mentors

The Office of Leadership Programs employs 20 First Year Mentors who provide freshmen students with valuable resources and regular updates throughout their first year. Information about the First Year Mentors can be found here:

http://www.ltu.edu/leadership/mentors.asp

Mentor Team Leaders are experienced mentors who help with the planning and execution of first year programs, including Discovery Days and the First Year Mentor program. Information about our Team Leaders can be found here:

http://www.ltu.edu/leadership/teamleaders.asp

The Student Success Mentor/Leader has a dual role of serving as a mentor for all non-traditional and transfer students as well as working with the other Team Leaders on program development. The Student Success Mentor/Leader's bio can be found here: http://www.ltu.edu/leadership/teamleaders.asp