News

By Alex Freeman, MCC Communications Specialist

As the calendar turns to the heart of the spring semester, Montcalm Community College has formally organized a Student Government Organization. 

The three elected student officials, along with Francisco Ramirez, Dean of Student & Enrollment Services, and Jessa Michaels, Student Life Coordinator and Auxiliary Services Assistant, who both serve as advisors for Student Government, formally met for the first time on Jan. 31 to discuss the vision and expectations for Student Government. 

“Student Government will allow student leaders to represent their peers and connect with the college president and administration,” Michaels said. “This will provide them with leadership training, valuable experiences, and opportunities to network with successful community members.  

“As Montcalm Community College grows, including new student housing, the Student Government will be key in improving campus life by supporting student-led clubs and focusing on what students really want,” she said. “This will empower students to be part of decision-making, creating a stronger sense of community and engagement among students, staff, and the wider community. We’re excited to listen, learn, and act on what students need and want, making their experience even better in the years to come.” 

Kailey Ingraham (Greenville, Mich.) was elected as the Student Government president, RaDeric Guy (Blanchard, Mich.) is the vice president and secretary while Logan Codling (Gowen, Mich.) will serve as treasurer. Student Government also elected six general members — Nina Easey (Carson City, Mich.), Zafar Abduvokhidov (Greenville, Mich.), Rae Tittsworth (Sidney, Mich.), Alex Gorney (Greenville, Mich.), Zee Inman (Carson City, Mich.) and Paige Bliss (Fenwick, Mich.). 

Of the three main officers, Michaels noted that they’ve been instrumental in the start of this organization and their leadership and enthusiasm has been on display since the inception of Student Government. 

“It's been inspiring to be part of this, and I’m excited for the growth we’ll have together,” Michaels said. “The student leaders we’ve attracted through this project are incredible people, excelling in their studies and life, with big dreams that will shape an amazing future for our institution and for the world.” 

Ingraham is a native of Greenville and came to MCC in 2022 as a Dual Enrollment student. Originally intending to parlay her Dual Enrollment education into a transfer to a larger university, Ingraham grew to love the culture at MCC and its inclusive nature. 

“I got to this position by starting to get to know Jessa (Michaels) at the leadership conference last fall,” Ingraham said. “I came up to her and I said, ‘All of these other colleges have these student governments. What even is that?’ So, we got to talking and I was excited to go to the first meeting and honored to be elected as President.” 

Ingraham is looking forward to being the voice for the student body and strives to provide more outlets and activities for them to do between classes and in their leisure time to help create an even more inclusive environment. 

“The main thing is just trying to be that friendly face,” Ingraham said. “I don’t want students to be scared of talking to student government. We’re all friendly people and I already know students are going to feel a welcoming vibe to show their concerns.” 

Guy is a non-traditional student who is in his second stint at MCC. Guy first came to MCC after graduating from Montabella High School in 2009 but stated that he didn’t take the necessary steps to find success the first time around. This time around, Guy has a more mature mindset and is working toward completing his studies at MCC to progress toward his ultimate goal of a degree in exercise science. 

Guy has served as an assistant coach for the Montabella varsity boys basketball team for several years, making him no stranger to a leadership role. 

“When I found out about this, it’s just a natural step to help to push this forward,” Guy said. “MCC has come a long way since the first time I attended to where it is now. I’d like to see us continue to advance with athletics and other areas and having this leadership role could help to push that forward.” 

Codling, from Greenville, is in the second semester of the Early College program at MCC. He’s working toward his associate degree of science and arts and has the goal of transferring to Michigan Tech to obtain a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. Codling heard about Student Government from one of his professors, who recommended that he try to be a part of it. 

“I’m primarily excited to see the clubs grow and see if we can get more sports at MCC,” said Codling, who has participated in soccer, wrestling and track at Greenville High School. “I know it hits heavily on a budget, but it would be awesome to see it grow and allow more opportunities for involvement.” 

During a time where MCC is growing at a rapid rate, with the resources the college has to offer, the officials for Student Government are hoping to give the student body a voice and help to offer what they are looking for on a college campus, as well. 

“When we get the housing on campus, it’s going to bring in more athletes but it’s also going to give people more of a sense of home,” Guy said. “Providing the students with more things to do on campus would be great. It’s exciting to see how fast we can grow and where this can go. Montcalm County is kind of a nice area and community, we don’t have a lot of options so we can become the option for a lot of different things.” 

The three elected officials, along with Ramirez and Michaels, will continue to lay the groundwork for the organization in the coming weeks. Student Government will begin hosting town hall meetings for all students and club leaders in the near future.