Get to Know HFC

Left to right: Bridget Smith-Botos and Tracie Varitek, back to back with arms crossed.

Bridget Smith-Botos and Tracie Varitek take on interim leadership roles

Smith-Botos and Varitek will lead the way in advancing Academic Services and the Learning Lab.
Andrea Herrera standing in front of a mountainous scene.

HFC welcomes Andrea Herrera, who brings overseas experience to her new role

Andrea Herrera's knowledge of four languages makes her invaluable as HFC's new Bilingual K-12 Admissions Recruiter.
Portrait of Erin Moss Ferguson.

HFC welcomes Erin A. Moss Ferguson, VP of Legal Services and General Counsel

The new VP of Legal Services and General Counsel is looking forward to engaging in meaningful work to support the community at HFC.
Headshot of Jack Pacholski wearing a suit and tie.

HFC welcomes baseball coach Jake Pacholski

New baseball coach values a culture where players enjoy the game and become their best selves.
Amal Qureshi has long brown hair and dark eyes, wearing a black and white floral print blouse. She is sitting at her desk.

Amal Qureshi named Assistant Director of Academic Advising

New Assistant Director of Academic Advising Amal Qureshi takes a proactive approach to helping students and her teammates.
Dr. Cristina Bailey at her desk.

Dr. Cristina Bailey becomes the first Director of Health, Education, and Human Services

After five years as the Director of Academic Services, Dr. Cristina Bailey is appointed Director, Health, Education, and Human Services in HHS.
Asia Mohamed Al-Jalal in her graduation gown with her 9 year old son at her side.

HFC instructor and alumna proudly earns her doctorate

The first in her family to earn bachelor's and master's degrees, Asia Mohamed Al-Jalal recently earned her doctorate (one of her 5 college credentials) and is a proud ELI instructor at HFC.
Photo of Ashley Smith checking a car engine.

Ashley Smith becomes Faculty Chair of Automotive Technology / ASSET

Ashley Smith is the first female faculty chair of the Automotive Tech/ASSET programs at HFC.
Dr. Gerald Walker is smiling and waving, wearing a bike helmet and pirple and black cyclist gear.

Dr. Gerald Walker looks forward to cycling more, now that he has retired

Dr. Gerald Walker has grand plans for more time on his bike, including competitions, in the coming months and years.
Reco Spencer

Get to Know HFC: Reco Spencer mentors Detroit Promise students

Detroit Promise Transition Specialist Reco Spencer enjoys helping students cross the finish line at HFC.
Two women with long dark hair wearing glasses and dark colored sweaters smiling at the camera.

Get to Know HFC: Alisha Burmeister’s heart belongs in higher education

Her nearly 10 years of experience in higher ed at Baker College make Alisha Burmeister a perfect fit for HFC.
Liz Hoffman

Liz Hoffman: bike riding, kayaking, boating, and “playing in the dirt” lead retirement plans

Liz Hoffman has many plans after she retires from HFC at the end of the Winter 2024 semester.
Sara Gonzalez Herrera

Get to Know HFC: Sara Gonzalez Herrera knows firsthand the challenges international students face

Gonzalez Herrera’s varied life experiences allow her to support and empower international students at HFC.
Beth Michel

Get to Know HFC: a wide-ranging career brought her back to help students find their way HFC

Beth Michel, a lifelong learner working on her fifth college degree, has had a wide-ranging career in human services, consulting, fundraising, technology, teaching, and now advising.
Amy Clark

HFC General Counsel honored as one of Crain’s Notable Women in Law

Vice President Amy Clark is one of 30 attorneys in Metro Detroit named to the Crain’s Notable Women in Law for 2024.
Les is wearing a black brimmed hat and red shirt, sitting behind three books

Get to Know HFC: Leslie S. Thompson moonlights as an author

Thompson has been a published author for several years, starting with a three-novel series about the NYC public libraries. He's completing his fourth novel, this time a standalone story.
Kirk Bradley

Kirk Bradley named associate athletic director at HFC

As the new associate athletic director, Kirk Bradley will be an important resource for all student-athletes to reach their athletic and academic goals.
Portrait of the three new Detroit Promise coaches.

Detroit Promise welcomes three new Campus Success Coaches

Delphine Davis, Charisma Flowers, and Jeffrey Liggens are the new Detroit Promise campus success coaches.
Chardin Claybourne

HFC names Chardin Claybourne Director of the Henry Ford II Honors Program

As the Henry Ford II Honors Program Director, Chardin Claybourne's goal is to make it the premier community college honors program in Michigan.
Portrait of Mark Yancy, Jr., dressed in a suit with a blue background

Mark Yancy, Jr. becomes the first Detroit Promise Program Coordinator

Mark Yancy, Jr.'s vision for Detroit Promise at HFC is to set an example for other colleges to follow.
Candance Niemer

Get to Know HFC: Dr. Candance Niemer earns doctorate in her journey to educate future nurses

Teaching at HFC allows Dr. Candance Niemer to foster the growth of her students, preparing them to become future nurses.
Gina is wearing a green sweater and glasses, playing the piano.

Get to Know HFC: For 30 years, Gina D’Alessio has taught music from the heart

Being able to pass on her musical knowledge to students and seeing them succeed has been the center of Gina D’Alessio’s teaching career at HFC.
Fred Steiner sits at his desk which is piled high with paperwork.

Fred Steiner retires after more than 35 years at HFC

Fred Steiner left the corporate sector and came to HFC to have a direct connection to improving the lives of individuals. He will retire Jan. 31 after more than 35 years at HFC.
A closeup of Bob wearing a yellow baseball cap and a blue WHFR.FM jacket.

Get to Know HFC: Bob Burnham brings forty years of experience to WHFR

Bob Burnham, who built a functioning radio station as a teenager, brings long expertise in broadcasting and his love of old radio shows to WHFR.