Pamela Stewart returns to role as Associate Dean of SOLA

HFC English instructor Pamela Stewart did not plan to go into college administration.

“Sometimes life opens doors we never imagined,” said Stewart.

Effective July 1, Stewart will become the Associate Dean of the HFC School of Liberal Arts for a 3-year term. She will replace Robert Yarhmatter, the current Associate Dean of SOLA, and report to Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Nealon.

“SOLA owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Robert Yahrmatter, who deftly piloted the School through a turbulent time and who did a great deal of work to establish a cohesive identity and vision for students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Brad Romans, Dean of SOLA. “Pamela Stewart is an excellent person to continue that work and is someone who brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to this role. She is a conscientious collaborator and has the bearing of an educator. She has a keen eye for developing useful projects and initiatives, removing barriers to accessibility and equity, and creating efficiencies that allow our faculty to continue to do the important work of the College. SOLA is very fortunate to count both Mr. Yahrmatter and Ms. Stewart among its ranks.”

Reprising the role

This is not Stewart’s first foray in this role. For the Fall 2022 semester, she served as the Interim Associate Dean of SOLA and enjoyed it more than she thought she would.

“That surprised me,” she confessed.

Retired English instructor and associate dean Dr. Christine Briggs encouraged Stewart more than 10 years ago consider a role in administration. While Briggs planted that seed, Stewart also credits Yahrmatter, School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Dean Janice Gilliland, retired associate dean Katherine Grahl, and SOLA’s founding dean Dr. Jennifer Ernst for their encouragement.

“I’ve had the good fortune to work with many strong individuals who have been mentors to me,” she said.

HFC English instructor Dr. Ruth Haller believes Stewart is the right person for this role.

“Pam has so many skills and talents, but one thing that stands out is that she has a great gift for thoughtfully analyzing and responding to difficult situations with care and compassion, for students and for faculty. I think she is an excellent fit for AD in SOLA and I'm excited to work with her as she steps into this role!” said Haller.

Serving as a liaison between students and faculty

Stewart is looking forward to working with Romans, who is new to HFC.

“I’m excited to learn from and with Brad. While we’ve known one another a short time, his intelligence, practicality, and positive mindset are impressive. He has brought a fresh perspective to SOLA.”

Stewart views her greatest strengths as being a strong communicator and connector, encouraging people to consider situations through a collaborative lens. Having been in the classroom for decades is an advantage as she assumes the role.

“Moving into an administrative role with classroom experience is helpful because it informs both policy decisions and interactions,” she said. “Students who seek out the associate dean are often motivated by disappointment. The space between student and faculty assumptions leaves room for disconnection. I want to focus on that area, especially where those agendas don’t match, and encourage productive dialogue that is rooted in trust and mutual respect.”

Two short-term goals for Stewart include helping students understand their rights and responsibilities as learners – whether that is on campus, hybrid, or virtual - and working with faculty to support creative and kind learning experiences for all students.

“As we move out of this pandemic and into a new world influenced by artificial intelligence, continual conversations and trust are essential to building relationships that foster learning,” she said.

HFC English Language Institute director and English instructor Molly McCord called Stewart her mentor.

“What sets Pam apart is her genuine concern for the wellbeing of her colleagues and students. Her kindness and empathy come across in her everyday interactions with those around her,” said McCord. “On a personal note, Pam has been a wonderful mentor as I've transitioned into the ELI director role. I truly appreciate her compassionate guidance.”

“Pure serendipity”

The eldest of three daughters, Stewart grew up in Dearborn. A product of the Dearborn Public Schools, she graduated from Edsel Ford High School. A first-generation college graduate, Stewart began her education at HFC (then Henry Ford Community College), where she studied liberal arts.

Transferring to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Stewart earned her bachelor’s degree in English, her master’s degree in teaching, and her reading specialist certification. She earned a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Spring Arbor University. A registered yoga teacher, Stewart also holds a current State of Michigan Professional Education Certificate with endorsements in the following areas:

• Reading specialist (K-12)
• Elementary education
• Language Arts (K-8)
• Mathematics (K-8)

Stewart began her career designing and marketing seminars for engineering professionals with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers before teaching language arts at the P-12 level in her native Dearborn for one year, followed by two years in Fulton County, GA. She came to HFC in 2004 after earning her first master’s degree.

“It was pure serendipity that I landed here,” said Stewart. “One of my professors at UM-Dearborn, Dr. Nancy Douglas, introduced me to (retired HFC English instructor and vice president) Dr. Reg Gerlica. That connection changed my life.”

A benefit to SOLA and HFC

Stewart began her career at HFC teaching developmental reading. During her time at the College, she has held many positions and roles, including:

• Director of the English Language Institute (ELI)
• Faculty Chair of World Languages
• Advisory Board Member and later Co-Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation (CTEI)
• Faculty Senator
• HFC Representative to the National Organization for Student Success
• Member of the Scholastic Policies Committee
• Member of the Retention Advisory Board
• Member of the Professional Issues Conference (PIC) Planning Committee
• Member of the Learning Lab Advisory Committee
• Member of SAFE@HFC
• Interim Associate Dean of SOLA

“Stepping away from the classroom will be difficult because I love the interaction and relationships that develop in that space. Our students – particularly the English language learners I work with – are hardworking and inspiring,” she said.

Yahrmatter is confident in Stewart’s abilities in succeeding him as associate dean.

“Pam will be great at the AD job,” he said. “She will provide SOLA with the leadership it needs and will be a benefit to both the School and the College.”

HFC English instructor Ruth Ann Schmitt agreed with Yahrmatter.

“Throughout the years, I've observed that Pam truly cares for her students. She has also served as a mentor and friend to her colleagues,” said Schmitt. “And, most impressively, in the last few years, she has grown as a leader in her roles beyond the classroom in a way that reveals a deep desire to understand, solve institutional issues, and inspire the College to change so it will best serve our future students. This comes from a deep love of the Dearborn community she grew up in and a desire to preserve the College she once attended. She identifies with the College and has a strong will to shape, improve, and preserve it.”