HFC welcomes Admissions Recruiter La Mar Harris
The newest K-12 admissions recruiter at HFC, La Mar Harris says he didn't know much about HFC when he decided to change careers from the private sector to higher education.
“I knew I wanted to work at a community college. That’s when I learned about HFC,” said Harris. “When I started researching the College, I really began to have confidence in it. HFC has so many options with 150 programs. It’s also active in the community, which is huge. Compared to other community colleges I’ve seen, its network is stronger. For many people in Dearborn, HFC is their college of choice. It’s a strong starting point, which speaks to how amazing HFC is.”
Harris began at HFC in mid-March. He reports to HFC Director of Admissions and Recruiting Tracy Perry.
“We are excited to welcome La Mar to our team due to his passion for helping students,” said Perry. “His time working as an intercultural aide at Michigan State University will help him meet students where they are. He will be instrumental in growing our underrepresented student population in the Metro Detroit area.”
From MSU to logistics and product management
A lifelong Southfield resident, Harris is the eldest of four. He is an alumnus of Wylie E. Groves High School in Beverly Hills, which is part of the Birmingham Public Schools. He graduated from the Honors College at MSU, earning his bachelor’s degree in supply chain management.
While at MSU, Harris worked in the Multicultural Center for three years as an inter-cultural aide. His focus was on diversity and inclusion, as well as student outreach, making sure students had a place on campus and that they utilized many of the campus’ resources. He also facilitated weekly round-table discussions about many topics students wanted to speak about.
After graduating from MSU, Harris worked in the private sector. His first job was as a logistics coordinator for Penske Logistics in Dearborn. Then he worked at Healthmark Industries in Fraser as an associate product manager.
Career pivot
After his first two career endeavors, Harris felt something was missing.
“It was becoming more apparent to me that it wasn’t the right fit for me. It wasn't the right kind of work, and the job was too stressful,” he said. “I’ve always been the type who has gravitated toward social justice, especially since I’ve wanted to make a social impact. That’s what drew me to HFC.”
Although he helped other students during his MSU days, HFC is Harris' first role in higher education.
“I’m really happy to be here. Even though I’ve got a lot to learn, everyone’s been so helpful and kind. I’m getting up to speed. It’s been good so far,” said Harris. “I plan to spend the next few weeks and months meeting everyone and acclimating to the campus, so I can bring in students and help build this community.”
A place to plant roots
The majority of Harris' duties include customer service and building relationships with area high school administrators, teachers, counselors, students, and families.
“My job is to assist students in the process of what’s next. When a high school senior comes to me, I direct them to enrollment or help them with their application or answer their questions or share information about other services. I’m the center of information,”” he explained.
At this time, Harris has no plans to pursue a master’s degree but it's not out of the question.
“It’s too early to say what my long-term goal is,” he said. “My immediate goal is to be here at HFC for a long time and really plant my roots here. I definitely feel right at home in higher education, and HFC is the place I want to continue my career.”