Retiree Recognition For: Eva Menefee
Title / Dept:
Lead Faculty Advisor / CACP
How did you get your start at LCC? What do you remember most from your first day/week/month?
I was working at MSU coordinating the MICUP program. MICUP was a program that helped students transfer from LCC to MSU, very much like our current Envision Green. One day I was walking down the hallway and saw a job posting for Lead Faculty Advisor and decided to apply. I had always liked working with the LCC students and getting them on the right path to MSU, so I figured change is good.
I remember the beginning of my career here, before onboarding was something. They gave me a catalog, trained me on the home grown system, and said go advise. I was glad I was familiar with campus, and the programs as it made my transition from MSU to LCC a bit easier. I actually came at a good time because LCC had just received a Title 3 grant to help improve advising on campus, so the two of us who were hired, were really able to help build Advising on campus. We hired over 80 faculty to do advising as supplemental advisors, trained them, and had them start seeing students. It was a very interesting time. We actually didn't have any space, so we did advising in a conference room at a big round table. Everyone learning from everyone else and being able to ask each other questions was a great beginning!
Have you held different positions at LCC? How would you describe your career path and the role that LCC played in it?
I have always had the same position at LCC throughout my career. However, it has never been a dull moment. LCC has send me to conferences and trainings, gave me the opportunity to work with consultants and the opportunity to lead the college-wide retention team. I have been able to bring the advising team together even though we have had so many directors, but we are still a strong bonded team. I like to think I had a role in creating that kind of culture.
I also have been very fortunate to be involved in my Union. That has been another area of my professional growth. I enjoyed being the MAHE president and have been very thankful for all the faculty that I have gotten to know over the years.
What's your favorite memory from your time at LCC? Who are the people who made working here great?
I have so many memories here at LCC that I could write a book. I have enjoyed everyone that I have worked with over the years. In advising, I loved taking out advising trip to the regional NACADA conference in Chicago. Or the many one day trainings that we get in the van to at various 4 year colleges around Michigan.
I remember when Bill Motz asked me to be a member of the EDF committee. I was so excited, that is by far the best committee on campus. It took me years to get on, and I will miss that work.
i will miss our students. I have seen so many of our students grow into professionals as they begin the next journey in their lives. Seeing the lightbulb glow as they discover their new major, or the school they will be transferring to, will always live in my memory.
What were your greatest accomplishments or successes while working at LCC?
When I think of my proudest LCC accomplishments, there are many over the past 31 years. i am proud of the Academic Advising team that has been developed over the years. When I first started at LCC, they hired two of us to do advising and I don't think they knew what they wanted to do with us. To now have a professional advising team, actual space, and the ability to see many more students is really awesome. I also have helped so many students that still keep in touch with me over all these years. I am so glad that I have played a role in helping people reach their goals. I am also proud that I have been able to always remind the college of the work we need to do with Native American Students. To now have a Land Acknowledgement, our tree, and soon another piece of art, I feel like LCC would be a great place for Native American Students to start.
What are you looking forward to in your retirement? What plans are you most excited for?
I am most excited to look for other life adventures. My children live in Minnesota, so spending time there. Hooking up my trailer and just going is also going to be fun. My husband and I have a food truck so we are looking to do some other events and more catering. But the first thing on my agenda is to sleep. I think i will spend the first couple of days in my PJs!
