Summer 2007 - Wayne County Community College

Special faculty Notes FeatureIn the Spotlight:WCCCD Bids Farwell to Drs.Hattie L. Johnson-Norris and Janet May DettloffDr. Hattie L. Johnson-NorrisOf all my accomplishments onlya few of which I am most proudare included here. The numberone goal when I first arrived at thecollege was to have the campus withthe highest enrollment. After nineyears at the Northwest Campus,we finally achieved that goal andmaintained it for the final twoyears of my 11 year tenure at theNorthwest Campus. Incidentally,staff and faculty of the NorthwestCampus informed me that I was thelongest sitting campus president/dean/provost of any campus at thecollege.The college established the first“One Stop Shop” RegistrationCenter at The Northwest Campus.Initially, many students madepositive comments to me regarding the Center.One additional accomplishment during my tenurewas creating a positive relationship with the surroundingcommunity. Individuals for the community oftendescribed the camps as having a warm family-likeatmosphere. To me, that was a major achievement andquite different from what I wastold when I initially arrived atthe campus.Serving as campus presidentat WCCCD was what Idescribed as my “Ministry”which I thoroughly enjoyed.Indeed I am thankful forhaving the opportunity to servethe college in this capacity.Thanks to Dr. Curtis Ivery,chancellor, members of hisCabinet, the faculty, and staffof the Northwest Campus forassisting me in achieving theseaccomplishments.Dr. Johnson-Norris has beena member of Cambridge’sWho’s Who of America’s HonorSociety for approximately eight years and was recentlyelected as one of its outstanding Professional Executivesof the Year 2007 and is included in the Honors Edition ofthe Who’s Who Registry.Tips for Working with StudentsI would describe myself as a “Servant Leader.”The number one responsibility/priority of a CampusPresident/Dean in my perception is to take care of theneeds of the students in a timely manner focusingon excellent customer service. One writer defines“good customer service” as making the individualexperience positive feelings from within.When students approached me with a concern,I asked them to put their concern or request inwriting. In that way, the students writing skillswere enhanced. Additionally, if they were angeredby the request, putting their concern in writingassisted in deescalating that anger. It also provideddocumentation and a tracking mechanism in termsof follow up and resolution of the students concern.When I was out of the office and received telephonemessages form students or perspective students,I would always attempt to return their call within24 hours. Additionally, I always attempted to keepstudents informed utilizing teachable moments whereappropriate. I always attempted to offer emotionalsupport to my students and staff and implementedwhere possible the phrase coined by my husband “Itis always encouraging to be encouraging.”Dr. Janet May DettloffDr. Janet May Dettloff started with WCCCD in 1972as a part-time biology instructor and became full-time in1974. She has served in an administrative role since 1992.“I came to the College to help students. I believed thateducation was the only way to help improve someone’slife,” said Dr. Dettloff. “I still feel that way.”When asked what has motivatedher to stay with WCCCD, Dr. Dettloffreplied, “The students are very specialto me.”The first in her family to attaina college education,and as a divorced,single motherof two sons, sheworked her waythrough college andhas always felt shecan empathize withthe challenges facedby adult students.“The adult students weredetermined to better theirlives.” She admired the couragedisplayed by her students.Dr. Dettloff has had numerousspecial moments whichhave all revolved around students.One that stands out iswhen one her students, sufferingfrom terminal cancer,brought her children to class to let them know about the importanceof education.Dr. Dettloff has been a part of the Commencement Committeesince 1982. “It is the best committee I have been on. It is themost rewarding and fun because by serving you are doingeverything for the students. The culmination of graduation isrewarding to the committeeas well as the students.”“You seldom get the chance atthe end of your career to have aculmination of your experiences.”Dr. Dettloff plans tospend more quality timewith her family afterretirement.What will you miss the most?“The people. The working together, theplanning, and sharing the joy of theplanning.”“One of the most rewarding moments iscalling the recognition students. They getso excited.”Advice to students“I got my Ph.D. as a single parent. Youcan do it. You have to sacrifice but in theend you have a feeling of satisfaction andthat you can do anything.”Advice to colleagues“As a fan of Piaget and Gagne, my adviceis fellow colleagues is to never assume thestudents know anything. For students tolearn, you have to understand their needs.It is important to start with the simplestconcept and proceed from there.”Study Tips for Students“Use index cards whenever you have sometime to wait (shopping, doctor’s officevisits). Constant small bits of study timeare better than hours.” District Dimensions Summer 2007