Jan 29, 2026
From College Adviser to University Champion: Nick Booza on College Access, Community, and the Power of Connection
As MCAN celebrates 15 years of transforming college access in Michigan, we’re sharing stories from the front lines — the advisers, partners, and champions who’ve helped thousands of students navigate their path to higher education. Nick Booza, now assistant director for freshman recruitment at the University of Detroit Mercy, got his start as an AdviseMI college adviser. His story reminds us why this work matters and how its impact ripples far beyond individual students.
Press Releases
Access MCAN's press release archive for details on new and past announcements and announcements regarding higher education, advising, and grants.
Three-year investment will strengthen statewide leadership, expand humanities-based programming through Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison
Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, Michigan College Access Network collaborate to cultivate transformative leaders.
MCAN's 14th annual conference concluded with Take Flight: Sixty by 30 Pitch Competition, awarding cash prizes to support innovation in college access and completion
Blog
Authored by MCAN staff, board members, and partners, our blog shares different perspectives of the college access journey in Michigan.
As MCAN celebrates 15 years of transforming college access in Michigan, we’re sharing stories from the front lines — the advisers, partners, and champions who’ve helped thousands of students navigate their path to higher education. Nick Booza, now assistant director for freshman recruitment at the University of Detroit Mercy, got his start as an AdviseMI college adviser. His story reminds us why this work matters and how its impact ripples far beyond individual students.
Fifteen years ago, Michigan was the only state in the nation without an executive agency focused on higher education, leaving no statewide coordination or infrastructure to guide students toward college. In that gap, Brandy Johnson saw a possibility.
In the News
Stay up-to-date on the latest in college access with announcements, blog posts, and related news from MCAN and our partners. Explore MCAN's work featured in statewide and national publications and media outlets.
Michigan prison college programs get $750K grant to expand humanities education
Michigan Advance
A three-year $750,000 grant awarded to the Michigan College Access Network aims to strengthen and expand education programs in the state’s prison system. The grant will support the continued development of the Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison, and will help bring humanities-centered education modules to incarcerated individuals across the state.
Michigan AmeriCorps programs relaunch after funding restored
The Center Square
Two of the AmeriCorps programs in question were administered by the Michigan College Access Network. With the return of federal funding following a heated legal battle, AdviseMI and College Completion Corps have both now been relaunched.
Michigan State Democrats attempt to reverse GOP funding cuts
ABC 13
“I think it's hurtful to call programs waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, the executive director of the Michigan College Access Network. “Fire trucks are not waste, fraud, and abuse. Scholarships for police officers are not waste, fraud, and abuse.”