Category: Academics

Alumni Spotlight: Thomas Hull

Current or most recent title and employer?
Director of Juvenile Services for St. Clair County 31st Circuit Court Family Division

How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 prepared me with the structure and support of college while staying close to home. Considering all my SC4 teachers work locally, I have been able to have the opportunity to network and call some of them colleagues.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I really enjoy being able to connect with my employees and the families and youth that I work with. Having an opportunity to enrich another person’s life is a privilege.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
I completed my associate degree in criminal justice from SC4. I went on to complete the Ferris State University program at SC4 for my bachelor’s in criminal justice. Earlier this year, I graduated from Northern Michigan University with my master’s degree in public administration.

Alumni Spotlight: Russ Strickler

Current or most recent title and employer?
Founder – Strickler Financial Group

How did SC4 help prepare you?
Going to college didn’t exactly run in my family, which played a role in me not being completely sure college was the right path for me. On top of that, it was up to me to pay for my school. SC4 gave me the confidence and exposure to know that college was in the cards for me. When I had my first economics class I knew I had found my calling and I was on my way from there. Luckily my parents were gracious enough to allow me to continue to live with them while I attended school, which allowed me to work at a gas station and pay my way through school without any student loans!

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I run a firm that helps people plan for their retirement. Helping people set themselves up for their financial future is a very noble profession when done right. I get an immense sense of accomplishment and gratification every time my team gets to help another family live with a sense of financial security that they may not have otherwise found. Growing up in the Thumb Area was a blessing because it instilled a strong work ethic and small-town values that I believe are a competitive advantage in the business world.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
I transferred to Lake Superior State University to get my bachelor’s degree in business management with a minor in finance and economics. I later completed a certificate program through Oakland University to sit for my CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional certification exam, which is widely considered the premier industry designation.

Alumni Spotlight: Heather Scott

Current or most recent title and employer?
Physical Therapist, Concept Rehab

How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 was a great stepping stone for me. Attending SC4 allowed me to complete some general education courses while living at home before transferring to Western Michigan University.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I love working with the geriatric population! I enjoy helping patients regain their independence while recovering from an illness or surgery.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Western Michigan University
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Michigan-Flint

Alumni Spotlight: Andrew St. Coeur

Current or most recent title and employer?
Owner/Chiropractor; Core Performance Chiropractic P.L.L.C.

How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 allowed me to take college courses while figuring out what career path interested me the most. SC4 helped me determine what school would be the best to transfer to and made sure credits transferred. I always knew I’d be taking a post-graduate route, so it was a great advantage to study at SC4 while saving money on two years’ worth of credits. I also felt like I had matured personally during my two years at SC4 and felt more prepared when I transferred to MSU.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
What I love most about my profession is being able to help people. Musculoskeletal problems affect us all at some point in our lives and sometimes it can be a serious problem that compounds over time. I really enjoy being able to team up with patients, to help them move better and to educate them on exercises or stretches that can reduce the chances of another flare-up in symptoms. While running a practice can be a demanding undertaking, it always feels worth it when patients start feeling better and achieve the goals they set on their first appointment.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
I graduated with my Associate of Science from SC4 in 2009 and then transferred to Michigan State University. In 2011, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2011. I moved to the National University of Health Sciences, just outside of Chicago, in 2012 and graduated with my Doctor of Chiropractic in 2015.