Success Coaches

Hello! I’m an Ann Arbor native with a BA and MA in history from the University of Michigan. I was the first in my family to go to college (back before we called ourselves “first-gen” students), and I’ve had the privilege of working with U-M’s transfer students for over 30 years! I love being a coach because helping students is the best part of working for the university. I enjoy being able to share helpful tips and resources and getting to know students as complete human beings. What I wish I knew as an undergraduate was that there is more to life than getting good grades, and that what you learn outside of the classroom might be just as important as what you learn inside.

Hello everyone, my name is Greg! I was born and raised on the westside of Detroit, married my high school friend in 2016, and have a wonderful daughter, Peyton. I am a huge Michigan fan and I personally enjoy sports, traveling, music, movies, video games, and theme park rides. I am a first-generation college student and earned four college degrees during my collegiate journey. I am passionate about elevating the persistence, retention, and graduation rates of ALL students, especially students of color and first-generation college students. Working in this field gives me the greatest opportunity to give back to current students what I looked for and needed as a student and I look forward to continuing this opportunity by supporting you in your journey! Welcome and GO BLUE!

Hi! I’m Janice! I spent my formative years traveling as a dependent of a military family. Every stamp on my passport tells a story of adventure and discovery, as well as one of quiet introspection and a deepening appreciation for the beauty of global cultures. I am a UM and a CSP alumna. I’m passionate about helping you unlock your potential through coaching and self-discovery. Janice’s intent is student development and success through her role as program director for Success Connects. She is the Chair for the MLK Planning Committee and Co-Chair for the MLK Symposium. Bringing a wide range of experience in higher education, her interests is in resilience research.

I’m a first-generation college student with an Associate degree from Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). I completed my undergraduate and graduate studies at UMich with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English and a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology – Go Blue! I am passionate about elevating access and building equitable educational systems for ALL students, especially students from underrepresented communities.

Hi! My name is Samrawit (pronounced Sahm-rah-weet). I’m from Grand Rapids, MI. I’m a first-generation college graduate; I graduated from U of M with a B.A. in Women’s Studies. I participated in SuccessConnects throughout all four years of undergrad. The program helped connect me to resources and gave me coaches who supported me and my ideas. I love being a Success Coach because I get to pay it forward. My favorite part is seeing the growth that students experience throughout their first year as they discover their interests and goals.

What I love most about being a success coach is helping students build the connections and foundations that empower them to thrive. I deeply value the diversity, individuality, and sense of purpose that every student brings. Each person’s journey is unique—filled with different situations, goals, challenges, and opportunities. When the unique elements are embraced and these differences incorporated into the college experience, the possibilities truly multiply – and so do the approaches for optimizing them.  I appreciate being able to facilitate the process and supporting the journey.