Amanda Kruzona is a proud problem solver for GRCC, serving as the Director of Institutional Research and College Data Office in the GRCC Institutional Research Office. She helps the campus community acquire data to help inform decision-making that focuses on institutional and student success.
"At the end of the day, our goal is to help students succeed by assessing and improving GRCC processes, and simplifying the complexity of higher education," she says. "We want to understand what students need, offer the support needed, and help students reach their goals. There are cheerleaders in every department on campus, and we are all here, waiting to cheer you on!"
The most rewarding part of Amanda's work is helping GRCC better understand itself and the community it serves. "I am naturally curious and I want to foster curiosity in others. The cherry on top is finding creative ways to present data to inform decision-making and elevate the voices of our students."
Amanda studied pre-pharmacy at Muskegon Community College. After graduating she worked as a pharmacy tech while earning her Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics from Ferris State University. While Amanda was at Ferris she saw that MCC had prepared her to do very well at a four year university. "I saw the value in getting a college education, as well as experience, at a more affordable price," she says. "That drives me to support the work that GRCC faculty and staff do to give students the best education in this community," she says. Amanda continued her education at Western Michigan university, teaching engineering statistics while she earned her Master of Science, Industrial Engineering. Then she began working as a data analyst in the insurance field.
"The time I spent in grad school gave me the teaching-bug and love for higher education," she says. "I left higher education to try an occupation in the corporate world, but I found my niche at GRCC. I am overjoyed knowing that I work at an institution that has been a part of enriching this community for over 100 years."
