Bay College recently welcomed a distinguished group of state and federal representatives, legislative aides, and institutional leaders to its campus for a Legislative Luncheon aimed at fostering dialogue on regional workforce development, higher education policy, and community collaboration.
Attendees included State Representative Dave Prestin, State Senator Ed McBroom, U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman, Bergman’s District Representative Jodi Ouellette, State Representative Greg Markkanen, and his wife, Jane Markkanen. Key legislative staff in attendance included Jay Gage, Regional Manager for Senator Elissa Slotkin; Aubrey Moore, Upper Peninsula Regional Director for U.S. Senator Gary Peters; and Evan Reister, Member Services Advisor at the Michigan House of Representatives.
From Bay College’s leadership, Dr. Nerita Hughes, President of Bay College, was joined by Travis Blume, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management; Jonathan Lane, Director of IT; and Caroline Carlson, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. Members of the Board of Trustees in attendance included Nick Chenier, Board Chair; Wendy B. Middaugh, Vice-Chair; Joy E. Hopkins, Secretary; and Benjamin Z. Parmet, Trustee.
The luncheon served as a platform for meaningful conversation about the College’s mission, legislative priorities, and community colleges’ critical role in developing Michigan’s workforce. The presence of local media and community stakeholders underscored the significance of collaborative efforts to support student success and regional growth.
Bay College reaffirmed its commitment to strategic planning, intentional communication, and a renewed focus on high-value workforce education. The College is proactively addressing challenges in student housing, academic program transitions, and community alignment.
Housing remains one of the College’s most pressing barriers, and Bay continues to explore solutions to its limited on-campus accommodations. The broader Escanaba housing market also faces a shortage—particularly for seniors—further complicating expansion efforts.
Dr. Hughes responded to questions about the College’s strategic direction, committed to clarifying Bay College’s goals and reaffirming its role in regional development. Upon her arrival at Bay College in 2023, Dr. Hughes engaged in a 100-day listening tour of students, faculty, staff, local businesses, and community members, reinforcing the College’s dedication to community partnership. The College has since seen an 8% increase in enrollment, more than doubling its target growth rate. However, as high school populations decline across the region, Bay College is shifting its enrollment strategy to better serve adult learners, emphasizing re-skilling, up-skilling, and new-skilling.
Dr. Hughes emphasized a deliberate shift toward high-value workforce programming, targeting careers with long-term viability over short-term, low-wage opportunities. Efforts to align with local labor demands—particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and millwork—are ongoing, bolstered by partnerships with local employers.
As the demand for long-term care rises, Bay College is committed to preparing a skilled workforce through its healthcare programs. These skill-based programs are offered at both campuses, providing students with hands-on experience and preparing them for nationally recognized industry credentials. These programs in healthcare fields equip students with the essential skills needed to enter the workforce and to support our community’s needs for patient care.
Beyond healthcare, Bay College partners with local businesses and industries to develop internships, apprenticeships, and co-op opportunities, ensuring students gain industry-specific knowledge and practical skills. The College also offers customized training programs designed to meet the needs of today’s workforce, helping students prepare for high-demand careers with real-world experience. Through these initiatives, Bay College continues to strengthen its role as a key driver of regional workforce development.
Bay College board members reiterated the College’s decisive role in closing skill gaps, aligning program offerings with economic and labor trends. The Industrial Controls (IC) program and TRIO Student Support Services program remain vital components of Bay College’s academic portfolio, and the College’s free tutoring, personalized advising, and scholarship programs like Michigan Reconnect exemplify its dedication to holistic student support.
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