HFC welcomes new Coordinator of Program Improvement and Effectiveness
Jennifer C. Markin has spent her entire career in higher education.
She brings 15 years of experience to her new role as HFC’s newly-hired Coordinator of Program Improvement and Effectiveness. In this position, she reports directly to Lori Gonko, HFC Vice President of Strategy and Human Resources.
“I like the diversity of HFC, and its commitment to being student-centered. I believe in the College’s mission to use education to provide economic opportunities for students and to support the larger community,” said Markin.
An alumna of Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau, MO, Markin earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communication with an emphasis in journalism from Southeast Missouri State University. She later earned her master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS.
Secret love of snow
Not only is Markin new to HFC, she is relatively new to Michigan. She moved here two years ago to be closer to family. She currently lives in Lincoln Park.
“I secretly love the snow,” she confessed. “The summers here are wonderful.”
Serving the public good
Prior to coming to HFC, Markin worked at Madonna University in Livonia for two years. At Madonna, she was the director of TRIO Student Support Services and the Center for Personalized Instruction. She also served briefly as the interim director of the library.
For 10 years, Markin worked at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. Her last position at WKU was Associate Director of Advising/Retention. Additional positions in higher ed include working as a graduate assistant in Housing and Residence Life at the University of Mississippi, as well as being an adjunct instructor at WKU and at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College in Bowling Green, KY.
“I’ve always been comfortable in higher education,” said Markin. “I like the idea of serving the public good, and contributing to the development of an informed society.”
Immediate goals at HFC
Markin’s immediate goals at HFC are learning the nuances of her position and getting to know the campus and her colleagues.
“I’d like to maintain and create structural processes to make everyone’s lives at HFC easier and more effective,” said Markin.
“I am excited to have Jennifer at HFC,” said Gonko. “Her breadth of higher education experience and fresh perspective will be invaluable as we work to improve our institutional effectiveness processes. Most importantly, her friendly demeanor and deep commitment to student success make her a great addition to the HFC family. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and extend a warm welcome to our new team member.”