HFC welcomes Darryl Stanbrough, who seeks to be empathetic, energetic, and enthusiastic in supporting students
As someone who graduated from a community college, HFC Enrollment Services Specialist Darryl Stanbrough relates well to students at HFC.
“For me, a community college is much more personable. This is ideal. A university is usually not as close-knit as a community college is,” said Stanbrough. “Through community college, students not only complete their basics, they also learn the soft skills and transferable skills needed to succeed in education and life. For some, community college is an essential element of their success. I know because it was essential for me.”
Stanbrough joined HFC in early May, reporting to HFC Enrollment Services Manager Stacy Owen. His duties include:
- Assisting students in applying for classes
- Assisting students in completing their financial aid documents
- Submitting the appropriate forms when students change majors
- Verifying the identity and background of students
“Darryl is a great addition to our team in Enrollment Services,” said Owen. “He makes students feel part of the HFC community by simple casual conversation while he is assisting them with business.”
Adding the extra ingredient of support
The eldest of two sons, Stanbrough was born in Detroit, where he lives with his daughter, 8.
After graduating from Benedictine High School in Detroit, Stanbrough earned his associate degree in liberal arts from Oakland Community College. Transferring to Eastern Michigan University, he earned his bachelor's degree in history and philosophy. He later earned both his master’s degree in education and his teaching certificate from Marygrove College in Detroit. He completed additional coursework at Washtenaw Community College and Clark Atlanta University in Georgia.
In early 2024, Stanbrough will begin a graduate program in social work at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He has ambitions to continue working with students who have had academic and environmental challenges in the Metro Detroit area.
“I really enjoy working with community college students and those who want to make improvements in their life but need support and guidance,” he said. “I can relate to them and some of their challenges and I understand what is required to make improvements.”
“I chose teaching because I wanted to be the kind of teacher that I did not have”
Since 2006, Stanbrough has taught academic success classes at OCC. From 2006 to 2016, he taught social studies at Life Skills Center of Metropolitan Detroit and at Cornerstone Health and Technology High School in Detroit. He has also coached football for the Police Athletic League in Detroit and coached policy debate for the Detroit Urban Debate League.
“I chose teaching as a profession because I wanted to be the teacher that I did not have.” said Stanbrough. “I wanted to be more personable, not just a guy in front of the classroom. I wanted to be more empathetic, energetic, and enthusiastic for students who had challenges in the school system.”
Stanbrough chose to work at the community college level because he wanted to work with students and effect change on a wider scale than he could at the secondary level.
“Many students experience academic challenges. As a young college student, I did too,” he said. “I enjoy meeting new students and hearing from returning students who appreciate the help they received from me. It’s always gratifying to know I’m making a difference in their lives. I really like the students at HFC. The Enrollment Services Team in the Welcome Center has been very welcoming and supportive; I really appreciate them. I’m so glad I’m here.”