July 15, 2021 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- 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 Kaelee Steffens. Kaelee is an academic adviser and a first-generation college student. She always knew going to college or learning a professional trade was incredibly important.
She chose GRCC because it was affordable, and a family member was already attending. That family member and her GRCC adviser showed her the steps to get started, and how to begin planning for her transfer to Grand Valley State University after graduation.
Back at GRCC, Kaelee helps today's students make plans to transfer or pursue a career after graduating.
During her time at GRCC Kaelee worked as a student employee and graduated with an associate degree.
At GVSU she worked as a student employee and then as an intern in various departments.
Through that on-the-job career exploration, she realized that her passion was working with adults -- specifically adults at GRCC. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology, and then Master of Education in Higher Education, College Student Affairs Leadership from GVSU.
Since then, Kaelee has worked in admissions and enrollment, TRIO, academic departments, and academic advising between two- and four-year schools.
Through her work in higher education Kaelee has seen first-hand that a certificate or degree can change someone's life in so many ways. It starts with an academic plan. It's her goal that the students who enter her office leave knowing their next steps, and that they can always follow up if the plan changes.
“There is just something so special about working with the many different types of students who attend GRCC,” she said. “My first appointment for the day could be a mother with three kids and a full-time job, who decided now is her time. And my last appointment of the day might be a student who just graduated high school who is still exploring all of the degree options and training programs that GRCC has to offer. Every day is new and full of learning!"
You can connect with Kaelee and other members of the Academic Advising and Transfer team by emailing advising@grcc.edu, calling (616) 234-3900, and texting (616) 404-0044.