President Dr. Gary Roberts Monthly Communication to The Community

President Dr. Gary Roberts October Write-up

Just as we said good bye last month to a long-time staff member at Kirtland Community College, I would like to introduce you to a new staff member (who began in July). Her name is Gina Mezzano-Ostien and she is our new Dean of Arts and Sciences. A native of West Branch, Michigan, Gina comes to us by way of Davenport University in Grand Rapids. Being a former Dean of Arts and Sciences myself, I am very excited to see what Gina can do as far as growing that part of the house at Kirtland. There are a few disciplines in the Arts and Sciences that we do not offer and so it will be nice to see what Gina’s plans are going forward. Gina grew up with a love of reading and writing, eventually gravitating toward literature and creative writing in college. In fact, she holds a Bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master’s degree from Central Michigan University, both in English Language and Literature.

Gina began her career as a grant writer before teaching part-time at the college level. She freely admits that she found teaching to be somewhat of a challenge at first but “was fortunate to have colleagues and supervisors who provided wisdom and feedback along the way.” Eventually, Gina’s “love of learning” steered her into higher education, where she has taught as a full-time faculty member and also served as an administrator. While admitting she has undergone a few “ups and downs” along the way, she is very happy she stayed the course and remained in higher education. One of the winning features for us at Kirtland is that Gina truly values the importance of Arts and Sciences to a student’s education. It is the Arts and Sciences (i.e., General education) which help develop and refine the communication and creative thinking skills. While most would say taking a philosophy course is a waste of time, it is not. If anything, the student is learning how to use their brain, to think through logical situations, and draw sound conclusions. And -- needless to say, the reading is also very tough! This is something we need in every walk of life, from the automotive technician to the zoologist. And – we need to know how to communicate. Gina identifies these as the “one constant, . . . [that] the need for these skills has always been there.”

Gina is happy to be home near her family and she is also excited to be at Kirtland Community College. She appreciates the education that Kirtland brings to the surrounding community, from the Arts and Sciences, to the Health Sciences, to the Occupational programs. Gina has also found “the people [she] work[s] with [here at the College] are wonderful!” She has onboarded at a key time, with relatively new associates, including a new Director of Nursing and new Dean of Occupational Programs. I believe we have a very bright future here at Kirtland and I am excited that Gina is going to be part of it. Nothing is more rewarding than to see a new leader, complete with fresh eyes and new perspectives, look for opportunities on how to enhance and grow what we do best – education for our students and our surrounding communities. Welcome, Gina, to Kirtland Community College!! Here’s to many years of success for you!!