As director of higher education innovation, Jamie co-develops and leads MCAN's strategies that are focused on systems change across Michigan’s postsecondary institutions. She works hand-in-hand with college and university leaders throughout Michigan to improve postsecondary educational outcomes for the state’s residents, with a particular focus on student success and completion.

Jamie has over two decades of experience supporting student success and college completion at Central Michigan University, Grand Valley State University, Davenport University, and Saint Martin’s University. She has worked in various capacities, including advising and success coaching, career development and exploration, first-year programs and orientation, and academic success strategies. Jamie has devoted her career to helping enhance the lives of others through advocacy, relationship building, and special projects that promote educational attainment. She has taught college learning strategies and first-year experience courses, as well as courses that focus on student affairs administration, higher education administration, and social class within higher education. Jamie has a particular passion for equity-based policy review and systems change implementation.

Jamie earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Family Studies with a minor in Sociology from Central Michigan University, a Master of Education in Higher Education-College Student Affairs Leadership from Grand Valley State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. She grew up one of six children on a family dairy farm in the thumb of Michigan and is proud to be a first-generation college student. When Jamie entered college, she was fortunate to secure on-campus employment. The campus job provided a positive mentoring relationship and exposed her to experiences that, ultimately, would spur her to attend graduate school to pursue her passion for helping others access and succeed within higher education. While working full time, Jamie had the opportunity to pursue a PhD and — with support and encouragement from her faculty adviser — completed the program in the midst of the pandemic.

Outside of work, Jamie enjoys reading, watching movies, baking, birdwatching, swimming, kayaking, and exploring Michigan. Most of all, she loves spending time with her husband, three children, and their dog, Riddle.