ESCANABA & IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Another academic year comes to a close this week for Bay College.
According to President Dr. Nerita Hughes, both the Escanaba and Iron Mountain campuses have enjoyed a year of achievement and growth. In the fall, Dickinson County voters approved a 20-year millage renewal to maintain existing programs. The renewal also ensured that tuition rates would not increase.
“Our revenue model is property taxes, state appropriations, but it’s also tuition and fees,” Dr. Hughes said. “To be able to continue to keep tuition low, that was huge.”
The college has also worked closely with the Department of Labor and local employers to place students in apprenticeships. Dr. Hughes says the effort sets graduates up for successful careers while boosting the workforces of Delta County and Dickinson Counties.
“How can we make sure that you think about Bay College and grab some of our students?” she said. “Whether they are about to graduate or whether they’re getting ready to graduate and they’re going on to a four-year, now’s the time to really change that trajectory so that we can have our talent pipeline come straight from home. It’s almost like a grow-your-own.”
Dr. Hughes says it has been exciting to hear about students’ plans after they graduate. Her advice to them is to keep their eyes on the prize and to never give up on their dreams.
“Stay the course,” she said. “Don’t let anybody tell you what you can or cannot do. Forge your own path and soar high.”
Bay College’s commencement will take place at the Escanaba Campus gymnasium at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. Criminal justice graduate Abigail Rich will deliver this year’s commencement speech. For full details, click here.
