Strategic planning comes naturally to the Industrial/Organizational Psychology MA program at University of Detroit Mercy—after all, helping organizations adapt and evolve is at the core of what they teach and practice.
So when the program entered its required seven-year academic program review process, they didn’t just keep the conversation in-house. Instead, they did what I/O psychologists do best: they built a team.
This spring, the I/O program convened its Alumni Practitioner Advisory Panel for the second of three meetings focused on shaping the future of the I/O Psychology master’s program. The panel includes 13 alumni representing a powerful range of perspectives—spanning decades of experience, industries, and career stages. Participants include recent graduates just entering the field, mid-career professionals in private and nonprofit sectors, and seasoned alumni who are now faculty members themselves. Some even graduated when the university was still known as University of Detroit.
“Some programs just gather faculty to brainstorm ideas,” said Dr. Kathleen Zimmerman-Oster, Professor and Director of Industrial/Organizational Psychology. “But because we’re I/O psychologists and strategic planning is what we do, we decided to approach this process with intention and expertise.”
Panel Members:
Brooklyn Adams – Talent Enablement Strategist, Rocket Financial Services (Class of 2022)
Bianca Annis – Culture and Talent Development Specialist, Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Class of 2020)
Jordan Baker – Strategy and Operations Leader – People Insights, HP – IT Services and IT Consulting (Class of 2019)
Brittany Brady – Talent Development Specialist, Oakland County Michigan Works! (Class of 2021)
Cheryl Beers, PhD – Director, Research and Development, Human Synergistics; Adjunct Professor & Internship Supervisor
Lauren Engle – Human Resource Associate, Kasco Construction (Class of 2022)
Michelle Eureka – Head of Talent Engagement and Satisfaction, Strategic Energy Solutions, Inc. (Class of 2021)
Andy Grant – Director of Strategy and Strategic Growth Advisor, Leadership Resources (Class of 2010)
Larry Kazmirowski – Adjunct Professor, University of Detroit Mercy (Class of 1977)
Mary LeFeaux – Manager, Talent and Organizational Effectiveness, Mazda North American Operations (Class of 2017)
Adam McLeish – Assessment and Talent Insights Senior Specialist, AlixPartners (Class of 2020)
Krista Russo – People Analytics Manager, Ford Motor Company (Class of 2001)
Linda Slowik – Professor, University of Detroit Mercy
Amanda Starkey – Policy Associate II, Policy Research Associates, Inc. (Class of 2012)
Matt Turner – Human Resource Generalist, Dexter (Class of 2021)
Allison Urban – Human Resource Generalist, Opus IVS (Class of 2021)
Victoria Vargas – Director, Global Corporate Human Resources, PHINIA (Class of 2008)
Angelo Vitale – Retired General Counsel and Chief Executive Officer, Rocket Financial Services and Rock Central; Executive in Residence
Kathleen Zimmerman-Oster, PhD – Professor and Program Director, University of Detroit Mercy
Among those on the panel is Lauren Engle, a 2022 graduate of the program. After completing her undergraduate studies in psychology and philosophy at Michigan State University, she joined Detroit Mercy’s I/O program and now works as an Human Resorces Associate at Kasco Construction Inc., a general contractor based in Royal Oak, Michigan. Kasco is a 100% employee-owned company known for its work in healthcare and institutional construction—and Engle is part of a pioneering team building out the company’s first-ever HR department.
“This program definitely equipped me with the skills necessary to catch on and keep up,” Engle said. “We’re tackling a lot of issues at once, but it’s been a whirlwind in the best way.”
For Engle, the richness of the panel comes from the diversity of voices in the room—ranging from fresh graduates to those with decades of industry knowledge and academic insight.
“That’s what’s really special about this program—its immense network of engaged alumni from very different fields,” she said. “The list of industries, job titles, and career paths is endless.”
“Some of us are just now stretching our legs in the workforce and realizing, ‘Wow, I wish I had known this earlier,’” she added. “And the more experienced alumni—they’re looking at the next generation and saying, ‘We need graduates who have these qualities.’ It’s a full-circle moment.”
The panel’s third and final session is scheduled for September during Homecoming Weekend. The team will finalize recommendations, launch implementation of new strategies, and celebrate their collaborative efforts at an alumni event that will showcase the nearly 70 years of the program and the success of its alumni, internship supervisors, and professional partners.
“It’s more than a review,” Dr. Zimmerman-Oster said. “It’s about building community, honoring our alumni, and designing a program that reflects the future of the world of work—and the future of Detroit Mercy.”