Always remember, at GRCC, you are surrounded by people who want you to be successful and are ready to walk with you on your educational pathway. We are here to help!
Meet Garrett Esper. Garrett is here to help new students who don't have recent ACT or SAT test scores, letting them know what English and math placement assessments they need.
He also helps students schedule those assessments. As the placement specialist for GRCC's Student Services office (formerly Enrollment Center), Garrett oversees the coordination and administration of academic placement testing at the college.
As a student employee at GRCC, Garrett learned that helping students is fulfilling work, and he continued at the college in different positions as he earned his associate degree from GRCC, and his bachelor's degree from Ferris State University.
"It makes me feel good to know I am helping someone take steps to begin a new chapter of their life," Garrett said. "My passion for our students to succeed is what drives my effort to always go the extra mile to ensure each student feels welcomed and supported."
Garrett chose GRCC after high school for the affordability and student support that set the college apart from others in West Michigan.
He planned to become a high school English teacher when he began college, but then switched to marketing.
"I completed my Bachelor of Science in Marketing at Ferris State University in 2020," he said. "While completing school, I began working as a student ambassador for New Student Orientation, and found the work to be fulfilling. That role made me want a career working in higher education. In 2018, I began working in the Enrollment Center, and finally transitioned to the placement specialist role in 2021."
In the six years that Garrett has worked at GRCC, he has learned all about the services and resources available to students. He's ready to help each semester's new students confidently complete assessment testing so they can be placed in the math or English class that is right for them.
"I have great experience with helping students navigate the steps to completing admissions and enrollment at GRCC and encourage anyone with questions to connect with me," he said.