HFC welcomes Arielle Bexten, transfer coordinator

HFC Transfer Coordinator Arielle Bexten has spent the majority of her career in higher education.

“I enjoy being able to help students in whatever capacity they need,” said Bexten. “I spent a year as an administrative assistant but realized I really missed working in higher ed. It’s where I belong.”

Worked as a learning specialist with college athletes

The youngest of three, Bexten was born in Toledo, OH, and raised in Dundee. She recently moved from Farmington Hills to Dearborn with her partner, Lawrence, and their son.

Bexten graduated from Dundee High School, where she ran track. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sports management from Eastern Michigan University, where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority and the manager of the EMU men’s basketball team. She later earned her master’s degree in college student personnel administration from Illinois State University.

“I’ve always been interested in sports. My family was very sports-minded,” she recalled. “I worked in college athletics at ISU, Ohio State University, and Louisiana State University. I was a learning specialist, so I worked with student athletes with learning disabilities. It was my job to help students who didn’t think they were meant for college and didn’t think they could graduate. I connected them to possible resources, so they would know where to look for help. When students doubted themselves, I enjoyed helping them become self-sufficient, independent learners.”

HFC provides a positive and welcoming community

Bexten served as an administrative assistant at Rocket Mortgage during the pandemic while applying to various graduate schools. In 2024, after having her son, she became an academic coach at Capella University. Once her son was old enough to attend daycare, she joined HFC.

In her position, she wears a number of different hats:

• Serving as the Transfer Bridges to Michigan (TB2M) project coordinator
• Coordinating communications with HFC’s external transfer partners
• Promoting the Learn4ward guaranteed transfer program.
• Organizing transfer events on campus

“Arielle's background has given her a unique perspective on student success. She understands the academic and personal challenges students can face, and she's passionate about helping them find a path forward. Her energy, collaborative approach, and commitment to students make her a great teammate at HFC and help with the transfer work she is leading,” said Bexten's supervisor, Jennifer Markin.

Bexten finds the HFC community to be the best part of working at the College.

“The community here at the College is amazing. It’s what I missed with my last job. Having a positive work community is really important. I said this when I interviewed for my job: ‘HFC’s website is very welcoming toward students. We’re here to support you.’ Those are not just words. A welcoming community is something I value about working at HFC.”