Get to Know HFC: Rachael Chatfield combines academic and travel interests into higher ed career

During her student days at Northern Michigan University, Rachael Chatfield took a Spanish class just for fun. Little did she know that class would become a gateway to a career in higher education.

“It was through the Spanish department that I came across the opportunity to study abroad in Cuba,” explained Chatfield. “This was before a U.S. Embassy was re-established there. NMU was one of 16 schools in the country able to travel to Cuba for educational purposes. I loved that trip and ended up studying abroad in Cuba a second time, as well as in Canada and Spain during the rest of my time at NMU. That was how I realized that I could combine all of my interests and newfound love of travel into a career. That’s what guided my decision for grad school.”

Rapid growth at HFC

Chatfield, who lives in Waterford with her husband, Josh, joined HFC at the end of January 2023. She has been a Program Advisor for Academic Advising since the summer, working with students in the English Language Institute (ELI).

Chatfield was the Division Assistant for Academic Advising and Enrollment Services for six months, her first position the College.

“When my then-fiancé and I moved home to Michigan after several years in Montana to be closer to family and buy a house, I began looking for higher ed positions,” she recalled. “I really wanted to remain in the educational sphere. I gained skills in my previous position that I believed would be applicable to any number of offices in a college or university. HFC had a small campus, opportunities for advancement, and excellent communication, all of which aided in my decision.”

Chatfield reports to HFC Interim Director of Academic Advising Jennifer Markin. Her office is stationed in the Honors Hub in the Reuther Liberal Arts Building (Building K on the main campus).

“Rachael has added critical experience and perspective to HFC’s Advising Office,” said Markin. “Her previous work coordinating programs and supporting retention initiatives for international students at Montana State University has allowed her to put theory into practice in crafting a Program Advisor role geared toward supporting HFC students in ELI classes. This is an important population and the Advising Office wants to make sure these students are receiving the support they need when it comes to navigating college outside the classroom. Rachael is uniquely qualified to provide that support and impresses me with her commitment to student success!”

Chatfield’s duties include:

• Keeping up to date with curriculum and policy changes pertaining to ELI courses
• Advising students on course registration via phone, email, and in-person
• Reviewing Change of Program forms
• Assisting in the training and implementation of new software in the Advising office
• Acting as liaison for anything communications-related in the Advising office

“I really enjoy the camaraderie and family feel among the staff, especially in the Advising office,” said Chatfield. “Everyone’s been welcoming here at the College.”

Desires to eventually return to NMU and become Director of Study Abroad

The youngest of two, Chatfield is a graduate of Howell High School. A two-alumna of NMU, she earned her associate degree in graphic communication and her bachelor’s degree in writing and Spanish. Chatfield has a second bachelor’s degree from Montana State in global and multicultural studies with a minor in Latin American and Latino studies. She earned her master’s degree in international education from the SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, VT. She also has Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification.

“While Rachael has only been the ELI's Program Advisor for several months, she has already been an asset to many students. She is prompt when responding to students’ time-sensitive scheduling questions, and her friendly and approachable demeanor make her a great fit for working with English language learners. I'm excited to have Rachael on the ELI team!” said ELI Director Molly McCord.

Chatfield has been in higher education for nearly five years. Her career goal is to eventually return to NMU, her beloved alma mater, and become its Director of Study Abroad.

“Study Abroad is typically focused on higher ed institutions or organizations catering to those students,” said Chatfield. “I really enjoyed the university environment as a student, and it was somewhere that I could see myself being happy in the future. I love Marquette and Lake Superior and even got married there!”