Features

New administrator ready to help students succeed

With 30 years of experience working in student services at Baker College under his belt, Gerald McCarty II has taken the reins with his new position as director of Student Success.

Head and shoulder shot of smiling man.
Gerald McCarty II is the newly hired director of Student Success. (Photo courtesy of Gerald McCarty II)

“A lot of people feel like they can’t do college, that college isn’t right for them, that it’s too hard,” McCarty said. “And then to see them grow as they progress through their program and then finally graduate you can just see that confidence. It’s just wonderful.”

McCarty was familiar with MCCC when he noticed the job posting and applied in August 2021, then officially began his role in November.

McCarty graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in administration.

Explaining his goals as the director of Student Success, McCarty said he wants to make students aware of the resources MCCC provides.

“I think sometimes students may forget or not be aware of all that we offer,” he said.

Some of those resources include disability services, tutors, and academic advising. He said the college is also working on making walk-in mental health services available as well. 

He said another one of his goals in the position is to work with incoming freshmen to let them know they have support. 

The director of Student Success role is a new position and broadened version of the library director position as the library transitions to focus on student success. 

At the head of this transition is McCarty’s supervisor and vice president of Enrollment Management and Student Success, Scott Behrens. 

“We need to provide the support to ensure that students are set up for success,” Behrens said. “It’s one thing to get up the gumption to enroll in a college, it’s another to succeed in it.”  

Among those affected by the transition is Janice Hylinski, library circulation/digital services assistant. 

She said the transition is beneficial and will make it easier to guide students to the appropriate resources.

Library staff is set to move back into the renovated C Building in June.