Success Coaches
If you are a first-year student in SuccessConnects, you'll be paired with an OAMI staff member, who will be your Success Coach.
As Success Coaches, we honor the student that you are and the experiences you bring to the University. We believe there are no bad questions about navigating college and are here to be a strategic partner in your success. We support your growth as you advocate for yourself by setting and achieving your academic, personal, and professional goals. Our one-on-one coaching sessions focus on your holistic development by maximizing the resources at U of M.
After you and your coach agree on expectations, we will connect you to a community of support within SuccessConnects and across campus.
Meet the Success Coaches
Let’s succeed together!
Erika
Erika directs the M-Connect Program for community college transfer students, and serves as a Success Coach. With a background in Admissions and New Student Programs, Erika has worked with U-M transfer students for over 25 years. As a former first-generation student herself, she strives to help each student realize that they belong here. She has a BA and a MA in History from the University of Michigan.
Greg
Hello everyone, my name is Greg! I was born and raised on the westside of Detroit, married my high school friend in 2016, and have a wonderful daughter, Peyton. I am a huge Michigan fan and I personally enjoy sports, traveling, music, movies, video games, and theme park rides. I am a first-generation college student and earned four college degrees during my collegiate journey. I am passionate about elevating the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of ALL students, especially students of color and first-generation college students. Working in this field gives me the greatest opportunity to give back to current students what I looked for and needed as a student and I look forward to continuing this opportunity by supporting you in your journey! Welcome and GO BLUE!
Irene
I love being a SuccessConnects coach as I get to work closely with students to help them discover their own potential! In my role, I get to be a pillar of support, guidance, and encouragement for scholars who may be struggling on their academic journey or are still adjusting to college in general. Something I wish I knew when I was in undergrad is that you don’t have to stretch yourself thin with commitments to get the full college experience and that everything will be okay even if things don’t go as planned. My favorite place on campus is the Arboretum at sunset, more specifically near the water so I can see it glisten.
Janice
Hi! I'm Janice! I spent my formative years traveling as a dependent of a military family. Every stamp on my passport tells a story of adventure and discovery, as well as one of quiet introspection and a deepening appreciation for the beauty of global cultures. I am a UM and a CSP alumna. I'm passionate about helping you unlock your potential through coaching and self-discovery.
Janice’s intent is student development and success through her role as program director for Success Connects. She is the Chair for the MLK Planning Committee and Co-Chair for the MLK Symposium. Bringing a wide range of experience in higher education, her interests is in resilience research.
Julia
I’m a first-generation college student with an Associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies at UMich with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English and a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology – Go Blue!
I am passionate about elevating access and building equitable educational systems for ALL students, especially students from underrepresented communities.
Samrawit
Hi! My name is Samrawit (pronounced Sahm-rah-weet). I’m from Grand Rapids, MI. I’m a first-generation college graduate; I graduated from U of M with a B.A. in Women’s Studies. I participated in SuccessConnects throughout all four years of undergrad. The program helped connect me to resources and gave me coaches who supported me and my ideas. I love being a Success Coach because I get to pay it forward. My favorite part is seeing the growth that students experience throughout their first year as they discover their interests and goals.
