Category: Beyond the classroom

Alumni Spotlight: Roberta Teahen

Current or most recent title and employer?
Associate Provost, Ferris State University

How did SC4 help prepare you?
My SC4 education was exceptionally good. In fact, I often share that I believe my instructors at what was then PHJC were better than I experienced at Michigan State, where I earned B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees. The faculty were dedicated to teaching and their students. It was an excellent foundation for transfer to a large – and pretty non-student-centered – institution.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I have had the opportunity to positively influence many students in their education and subsequent careers. I have especially enjoyed the learning that was an integral part of all of my professional roles and the opportunity to interact with other educated, caring, committed professionals and to get to know so many students with potential who had not yet recognized how much talent they had.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
As noted above, B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from Michigan State. Degrees, respectively, were Business Education; Business and Distributive Education; and Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education.

Black History Month Read-in event planned Feb. 4

The SC4 Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will host a Read-in event featuring Detroit-raised artist and guest author Solomon Johnson to honor Black History Month on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 10:30 a.m. to noon in the SC4 Fine Arts Theatre. This event is open to the public and K-12 students, SC4 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are invited to attend.

The National African American Read-in was created in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by bringing together community members to listen to the reading of poems, stories and book excerpts by Black authors.

“Black History Month is a celebration of achievements and contributions to human development. And the fact that Black history is part of American history is essential for all Americans to know, learn about and understand,” said Jessica Brown, Vice President of SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Student Recruitment, Advising & Admissions. “The Read-in event reflects groundbreaking efforts to encourage communities to read together, centering on African American books and authors and celebrating the beautiful legacy together.”

The mission of SC4’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is to advance the college’s efforts in providing educational access and support for all. The office hosts national speakers, podcasts, guided book discussions, events and programs to make SC4’s campus an inclusive environment for students, faculty, staff and the community.

Attendees are asked to register in advance for the free Read-in event by filling out the event registration form or by sending an email to dei@sc4.edu. To read more about SC4’s DEI Office, visit sc4.edu/dei.

Alumni Spotlight: Bill Kerr

Current or most recent title and employer?
Superintendent, Peck Community Schools

How did SC4 help prepare you?
The confidence I gained from my experience at SC4 was instrumental in the professional path I’ve taken to this point. The opportunities I was granted at SC4 were unique and I would not have had the same access at a larger institution. That experience was invaluable to me, helping me realize I could set high standards for myself and be successful. I’ll always cherish my time at SC4 and the relationships I made there.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I love the positive impact I am able to have on students, staff and the community from my position. My goal is always to put the very best resources and opportunities in front of our students and help grow the teaching profession. I am fortunate to work in the community that helped raise me so it feels like I am giving back on a daily basis. I am proud of the work we do here and the role it plays in helping young people thrive and achieve.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
I moved on from SC4 and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education at SVSU and then went on to complete the Masters in Public Administration program at UM-Flint.

SC4 announces Skippers pitching clinic with MLB pitcher Paul Fry Jan. 21

St. Clair County Community College will host a Skippers pitching clinic with special guest Major League Baseball pitcher Paul Fry on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the SC4 Fieldhouse.

The camp is open to the first 50 registrants ages 8-18. The cost is $20 with proceeds benefiting Skippers Athletics. Registration is available online at stclair.nbsstore.net/specialty-baseball-pitching-clinic. Questions can be directed to SC4 Athletics at athletics@sc4.edu or (810) 989-5670.

Fry was a dominant left-hander for the Skippers in the 2011 and 2013 seasons. Following the 2013 season, he was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 17th round of the MLB Amateur Draft and was named the Seattle Mariners minor league “Relief Pitcher of The Year” in 2015.

Fry was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 2017 and made his MLB debut against the Los Angeles Angels on June 28, 2018, throwing 1 and 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out three-time MVP and likely future MLB Hall of Fame hitter Mike Trout.

Fry remained with the Orioles for five seasons from 2018-2022 before being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the summer of 2022.

His big-league career is still being written as he signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2023 season.