Baker College has appointed Beth Nuccio as Baker College System director of career services. She serves as a liaison between career services and all other Baker College System departments to provide feedback on the employment viability of new and existing programs. She is responsible for establishing and ensuring the early and comprehensive integration of career services into each student’s academic experience. Nuccio also oversees marketing and branding for Baker College career services and HireQualified.com. HireQualified is a free employee recruiting service that connects employers with Baker College graduates and students.

“Beth has the experience as well as the leadership, communication and analytical skills that are necessary to position career services to meet the needs of the 21st century employers and students,” said Ellis P. Salim, Baker College System vice president for student services. “We are thrilled that she has accepted this challenge.”

Nuccio has been affiliated with Baker College for more than 25 years. Most recently she was director of career services for Baker’s Auburn Hills campus for five years. She was also director of admissions at Baker College of Flint and a marketing and management instructor at Baker College of Auburn Hills, Flint and Online.

An Ortonville resident, Nuccio is an Oakland County commissioner, serving district 1, which includes Addison, Brandon, Groveland and Oxford Townships. Other community activities include: former trustee for the Brandon board of education, member of the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency board of directors, member of the Oakland County Employment and Diversity Council executive board, member of the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce executive board, Leadership Oakland alumni, and a member of the Automation Alley workforce development committee.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University.

“I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for students and graduates, and look forward to continuing the Baker College strong tradition of providing exceptional opportunities that assist in our graduates’ career success,” said Nuccio.

“This class is extremely timely for our local business owners as they head into the winter months and buckle down to prepare for lower sales,” said Annie Shetler, BTA coordinator and MI-SBTDC consultant. “This is also a great opportunity to highlight our partnership with Baker College of Cadillac and to introduce local entrepreneurs to the type of express classes that are now available to them.”

Chris Wendel, an MI-SBTDC business consultant and veteran retail-store owner, will present the evening’s curriculum, which includes: *Ways to build Internet-based sales *Ways to make your customers your “sales force of evangelists” *The essentials of online marketing *Ways to compete for business with any size competitor

“Chris understands the challenges that northern Michigan small business owners face on a daily basis in an extreme seasonal environment,” said Shetler. “He is the ideal instructor for this class.”

For more information or to register for “Survival for the Up North Business,” please call 888.774.7988. Registration for the free class is also available online at nwm.org/btacore.asp.

The BTA is a program of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments in partnership with the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, Baker College of Cadillac, local banks and many other community partners.

Baker College of Allen Park has opened SMART Lab, a 1,056-square-foot area on campus dedicated to interactive instruction for business students. Developed by Baker College, SMART is an acronym for Securities, Marketing, Accounting, Research and Technology.

“Our students will now be able to obtain hands-on instruction in business rather than acquire knowledge via outdated lecture formats currently found at many other colleges,” said Aaron J. Maike, Baker College of Allen Park president. “Throughout the Baker College System, we are focused on Learner-Centered Instruction, an approach to teaching that seeks to actively engage students in their own learning. Our SMART lab is one piece of the larger picture that demonstrates Baker’s commitment to this teaching model.”

SMART lab features high definition interactive touchscreens to help students analyze market data. It has computers equipped with wide screen monitors to facilitate trading and live news feeds from CNBC.

“Our students will be trading real securities on a mock basis in the lab,” said Kevin D. Kijewski, J.D., Baker College of Allen Park business administration dean. “Looking toward to the future, there’s also a possibility of elevating trading to a competition among business students throughout the Baker College System.”

SMART lab was opened on a test basis with one course during fall 2011 quarter. With the start of 2012 winter quarter classes on January 9, it will be fully operational for all business courses. SMART lab is located in a newly renovated section of the student center on Baker’s Allen Park campus.

For more information about SMART lab or business programs at Baker College of Allen Park, please contact Steve Peterson at 1.800.767.4120.

Charles Ballard, a Michigan State University economics instructor since 1983, will present his 2012 economic forecast at Baker College of Flint on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., in Baker’s auditorium, 1050 W. Bristol Road, Flint. Titled “Michigan’s Economy: Past, Present and Future,” the presentation is free, and open to the public and the media. No RSVP is required.

Ballard holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University. In 2007, he was named director of the State of the State Survey for MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. He also won the MSU College of Social Science Outstanding Teacher Award in 2007. In 2011, Ballard was named to the Michigan League for Human Service board of directors. He has served as a consultant with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Health & Human Services, and Treasury, and also with research institutes in Australia, Denmark and Finland. Ballard is the author of several books, including “Michigan at the Millennium” and “Michigan’s Economic Future.”

The event is sponsored by Baker College of Flint and the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, please contact John Cote, Baker College of Flint dean of business administration, at 810.766.4191.

As the culmination of a series of events to celebrate its 100th anniversary, Baker College of Flint will host a reception on December 13 for area employers, community leaders and dignitaries, board members, Baker College System trustees, partners, vendors and employees.

The strolling reception begins at 4 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. at the Student Center, 1050 W. Bristol Road, Flint, Michigan. A brief presentation at 5:30 p.m. will feature remarks by Baker College officials, dignitaries and community and business leaders including:

• John Gleason, Michigan state senator
• Deb Cherry, Genesee County treasurer and former state senator and representative
• F. James Cummins, Baker College Systems president and CEO
• Wendy Hemingway, Baker College of Flint trustee, board of regents chair
• Dr. Julianne T. Princinsky, Baker College of Flint president
• Edward O. Blews, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities president
• Tim Herman, Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce president and CEO

The event also includes special recognition of other area organizations celebrating 100 years of innovation and success in the Flint area, a donation by artist Peter Griz, and the first centennial garden scholarship award presentation.

The Lapeer Symphony Orchestra will provide musical entertainment, an extensive array of hors d’oeuvres will be available, and attendees will have the opportunity to peruse a Baker College of Flint historical presentation. For more information, please contact Jodi Cuneaz at (810) 776-4000.

“We’ve received several requests from representatives at various industrial organizations in the area,” said Kelly Smith, Baker College of Cadillac president. “They’ve indicated a great need for employees trained on advanced CNC equipment. We are delighted to be working with WMCTC to address that issue.”

Shortages have resulted from both the aging of traditional tool and die workers and advances in the technology used to design and manufacture parts. CNC-operated machining tools are used to cut out parts in various materials, from steel to plastic.

As part of the research process, Baker College of Cadillac conducted a survey of industry representatives, which was followed by advisory group meetings hosted by WMCTC. Representatives from area companies, including B&P Manufacturing, Borg-Warner, Reed City Tool, Rexair and other members of the Cadillac Area Manufacturing Association, all confirmed the necessity for trained CNC operators. Five of the companies indicated a need for 10 additional CNC operators.

“Another Baker College campus already offers a CNC program and WMCTC’s machine shop and instructional resources were in place, so when we learned of the shortage in this field, it was quite obvious that we should make this program available as soon as possible,” said Smith.

According to David Cox, WMCTC director, it made perfect sense to augment its programs with a college certificate that offered the potential of dual enrollment at Baker College.

“Our machine trades programs were declining until this year, when we reignited interest by weaving machining curriculum into other technical programs and changing the name to engineering technology,” said Cox. “The new CNC program is an ideal fit. We can now meet the demonstrated needs in this critically important technology for industries throughout our region.”

Keith Merchant, B&P Manufacturing president, said filling CNC operator positions has been challenging for some time.

“It’s an indication of both the staying power of Cadillac industries and advances in technology that are producing shortages in some technical areas,” said Merchant. “We are pleased to see this program moving forward.”

Baker College of Cadillac will accept 10 students for the new CNC operator certificate program this winter. Classes will run two or three evenings per week in the winter, spring and summer quarters. Students may graduate from the program as early as August 2012. All students must also complete a 120-hour internship at area industries before earning the CNC operator certificate.
“We know the jobs are ready and waiting,” said Mark Lagerwey, Baker College of Cadillac dean of computer information systems and technology. “All our students have to do is commit to eight months of training to prepare them for a skilled career and a potentially high-paying position.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNC operators earn on average $16 per hour. The online site PayScale reports hourly CNC operator rates range from $10.09 to $18.88 per hour.

For more information about the new CNC operator certificate program at Baker College of Cadillac, please contact Mark Lagerwey at 231.876.3149, or mark.lagerwey@baker.edu, or call the admissions department at 231.876.3119.

“We are very pleased that Kimberly has won this award,” said Jeff Love, Baker College of Auburn Hills president. “In addition to a maintaining a solid scholastic record, she has a long history of serving her community, both as a volunteer and in a variety of leadership roles.”

Cross, a junior at Baker’s Auburn Hills campus, is working toward a bachelor’s degree in health services administration and is currently fulfilling a dream that began 30 years ago: to complete her college degree. She maintains a 3.49 GPA while continuing to be very active in community volunteer work. In 1999, Cross co-led her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. She also co-directed Sunniwood Girl Scout Day Camp for three years and coached her daughter’s softball team for six years. In recent years, Cross was a youth counselor for Clarkston Community Church, where she worked with a group of sixth grade girls until they graduated from high school in 2010. She has also been a member of the Church’s Advisory Council for the past six years. In addition, she helped start a 5K run in Clarkston called the April Fools 5K, which raised approximately $10,000 for the Clarkston Community Church’s mission program.

“Kimberly is a dedicated worker and a definite asset to our church and our ministry,” said Kevin Kuehne, Clarkston Community Church pastor. “She is very deserving of this scholarship.”

A Waterford resident, one of her long-term goals is to organize a safe house for the unfortunate victims caught in the web of human trafficking. Cross hopes to help them rebuild their lives so they have the opportunity to become the leaders of tomorrow.

“These positive results are a testimonial to the hard work and perseverance of our students, as well as the dedication of our faculty and staff in providing the skills and training necessary to succeed in the veterinary technology field,” said Connie Harrison, Ph.D., Baker College of Port Huron president.

This is the third year in a row that graduates of the Baker College of Port Huron veterinary technician program have achieved a national pass rate of more than 90 percent. The program is fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

In Michigan, a graduate of an AVMA-accredited program must successfully pass a national and state exam to become a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT).

Career opportunities for a veterinary technician include the following areas: small and large animal hospitals, research, education, pharmaceuticals, zoos and the military.

“As the only PTDI-certified program in Michigan, Baker College is proud of its long history of providing quality truck driving training and education for individuals throughout Michigan and beyond,” said David Wehman, Baker College System program coordinator, transportation management. “We now have carriers who select only Baker students. This is due in part to the longevity of our program and depth of our curriculum.”

The Baker College truck driving certificate program prepares graduates for entry-level positions as local or long-distance drivers of tractor-trailers, heavy trucks, dump trucks and tankers. Courses are designed to enable graduates to sit for the state of Michigan Commercial Driver Licensing Class A exam.

“The employment outlook is excellent,” said Wehman. “According to the American Trucking Association, there is currently a shortage of approximately 20,000 truck drivers per year and this number is expected to increase to 111,000 drivers by 2014.”

A first year driver may earn, on average, $35,000 per year with benefits.

“According to 2010 data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics,” said Wehman, “the lowest 10 percent of drivers earn $24,730 annually, the lowest 24 percent earn $30,270 a year, the median salary is $37,770, while the top 10 percent of drivers earn $57,480.”

Graduates of the truck driving certificate program at Baker College of Flint may also go on to earn a supply chain management bachelor’s degree.

“This is a great way for students to continue their education while making a viable living as a professional driver,” said Phillip W. Whitmer, Baker College of Flint dean of transportation technology. “All credits earned in the truck driving certificate degree may be carried forward into the bachelor’s degree program.”

PTDI-certified courses are currently offered at 61 schools in 22 states and one Canadian province. In addition to Baker College of Flint, Baker College of Cadillac and Baker College of Port Huron also offer the program.

The PTDI is a national nonprofit organization sponsored by the trucking industry to advance truck driver training proficiency, safety and professionalism to industry standards. It evaluates compliance with 32 certification standards, which include administration, curriculum, instructional personnel, training vehicles, instruction and evaluation.

In celebration of its 100-year anniversary, Baker College of Muskegon will host an open house on Thursday, November 3, from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., in its student center, 1903 Marquette Ave., Muskegon. The general public, media, community leaders and dignitaries are invited.

“We look forward to sharing this important milestone and invite all area individuals and families to visit our campus and help us celebrate,” said Lee Coggin, JD, Baker College of Muskegon president.

Refreshments will be served, including a centennial cake created by Chef Luis Amado, baking and pastry arts department chair at the Baker College of Muskegon Culinary Institute of Michigan. In addition, guided tours of the campus will be available.

For more information about the centennial celebration at Baker College of Muskegon, please call 1.800.937.0337.

“Congratulations to Deb Gerard, interior design program coordinator, for all her hard work and perseverance,” said Dr. Julianne T. Princinsky, Baker College of Flint president. “This achievement is a positive step toward full program accreditation.”

To become an NKBA supported program, an educational institution must have a kitchen and bath curriculum that prepares students for the NKBA certification exam.

NKBA supported programs are evaluated with respect to mission, administration, curriculum, faculty and resources to determine eligibility and ability to fulfill the Association’s requirements for full accredited status.

To date, more than 60 colleges and universities have achieved NKBA supported or accredited status. The accredited program was created by NKBA to serve the professional needs of the industry and to ensure consistent, quality education for students striving to become kitchen and bath design professionals.

At Baker College, the Muskegon campus has been granted supported status, while the Auburn Hills and Clinton Township campuses have achieved full accreditation for their kitchen and bath design certificate programs.

“Beginning and growing a successful nursing program takes many years of hard work and dedication,” said Kelly Smith, Baker College of Cadillac president. “We are so proud of Cindy Kelley, dean of health sciences, Lori Dewey, nursing program director, and the entire nursing staff and faculty. Congratulations to all for this tremendous achievement.”

According to Cindy Kelley, the Board was so impressed by the self-study document submitted by Baker, that a site visit was not required as part of the approval process.

“They commented that our self-study was excellently written and they were very impressed by the action plans that Lori established for the program,” said Kelley. “Lori spent countless hours working on the 848-page document. The result was well worth the effort.”

The ADN program at Baker’s Cadillac campus was granted initial approval in November 2006. Since March 2007, when the first nursing students began their professional tract courses, 106 student haves graduated from the program. Many of the ADN graduates are currently employed as registered nurses (RNs) throughout northern Michigan, including Cadillac, Traverse City, Reed City, Big Rapids, Manistee and Ludington.

“The success of our dental assisting graduates is the outcome of a team effort by faculty and staff,” said Connie Harrison, Ph.D., Baker College of Port Huron president. “Under the leadership of our dental assistant program director, Lori Meikle, our program has become a model of excellence in preparing individuals for careers as dental assistants.”

The Baker College of Port Huron dental assisting program has been fully accredited since 2009 by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. This is a specialized accrediting body nationally recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and also by the United States Department of Education. Only graduates from programs accredited by the ADA are eligible to sit for Michigan’s licensing exam, and the RDA credential is the only one recognized by Michigan’s Administrative Rules of Dentistry.

RDAs are licensed healthcare professionals who administer direct restorative and preventive dental services to dental patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist. According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for dental assistants is expected to grow 36 percent by 2018.

“Our students’ successes demonstrate the value of our quality initiatives,” said Dr. Julianne T. Princinsky, Baker College of Flint president. “They help to ensure that our students have received the type of training that will enable them to pass licensure exams on the first try.”

Nearly 300 students have graduated from the nursing program at Baker’s Flint campus since the program’s inception in 2003. Overall, 99 percent have passed the licensure exam on the first attempt. In addition, Baker College of Flint nursing students who took the exam during the first half of 2011 have all passed on the first try.

“The average state and national NCLEX pass rates between 2008 and 2010 have ranged between 86 and 89 percent,” said Phyllis Sano, RN, MSN, associate dean, director of nursing at Baker College of Flint. “We are thrilled that our students have consistently scored above average.”

The Michigan State Board of Nursing (SBON) granted the Baker College of Flint registered nurse (RN) associate degree program full, maximum 8-year approval in 2006. Currently, a maximum of 40 students are accepted into the nursing program twice a year – spring and fall quarters.

Nursing program students at Baker’s Flint campus range in age from 19 to 57 years old and the average ages for the nursing graduate cohorts have remained steady for the past several years at 34 to 35 years.

Attendees will learn about recognizing skills and interests, choosing and preparing for a career, getting into college or entering a trade, and obtaining financial and study skills assistance.

The Women in Transition conference runs from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Baker College of Auburn Hills, 1500 University Drive. The $15 enrollment fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch, all sessions and handouts. Scholarships are available for those unable to pay the enrollment fee. For information and to register, please call Baker College at 248.340.0600 or 888.429.0410. Registration deadline is October 28.

The guest speaker is Kiesha Speech, executive director and chief navigator of Future Focused. The non-profit organization was founded by Speech in 2009 to help in the development of the workforce by assisting foster care youth and young adults in their personal and professional development. Its goals are to encourage, educate, enrich, equip and empower every participant through interactive workshops and educational seminars, as well as motivational social activities and exposure to leading professionals. Speech is dedicated to improving society through knowledge gleaned from her experience in the corporate world, workforce development, employment diversity and inclusion initiatives, non-profit leadership, and as a resource parent in the foster care system.