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Strategic planning comes naturally to the Industrial\/Organizational Psychology MA program at University of Detroit Mercy\u2014after all, helping organizations adapt and evolve is at the core of what they teach and practice.
\nSo when the program entered its required seven-year academic program review process, they didn\u2019t just keep the conversation in-house. Instead, they did what I\/O psychologists do best: they built a team.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s program. The panel includes 13 alumni representing a powerful range of perspectives\u2014spanning 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome programs just gather faculty to brainstorm ideas,\u201d said Dr. Kathleen Zimmerman-Oster, Professor and Director of Industrial\/Organizational Psychology. \u201cBut because we\u2019re I\/O psychologists and strategic planning is what we do, we decided to approach this process with intention and expertise.\u201d
\nPanel Members:
\nBrooklyn Adams \u2013 Talent Enablement Strategist, Rocket Financial Services (Class of 2022)
\nBianca Annis \u2013 Culture and Talent Development Specialist, Volkswagen of America, Inc. (Class of 2020)
\nJordan Baker \u2013 Strategy and Operations Leader \u2013 People Insights, HP \u2013 IT Services and IT Consulting (Class of 2019)
\nBrittany Brady \u2013 Talent Development Specialist, Oakland County Michigan Works! (Class of 2021)
\nCheryl Beers, PhD \u2013 Director, Research and Development, Human Synergistics; Adjunct Professor & Internship Supervisor
\nLauren Engle \u2013 Human Resource Associate, Kasco Construction (Class of 2022)
\nMichelle Eureka \u2013 Head of Talent Engagement and Satisfaction, Strategic Energy Solutions, Inc. (Class of 2021)
\nAndy Grant \u2013 Director of Strategy and Strategic Growth Advisor, Leadership Resources (Class of 2010)
\nLarry Kazmirowski \u2013 Adjunct Professor, University of Detroit Mercy (Class of 1977)
\nMary LeFeaux \u2013 Manager, Talent and Organizational Effectiveness, Mazda North American Operations (Class of 2017)
\nAdam McLeish \u2013 Assessment and Talent Insights Senior Specialist, AlixPartners (Class of 2020)
\nKrista Russo \u2013 People Analytics Manager, Ford Motor Company (Class of 2001)
\nLinda Slowik \u2013 Professor, University of Detroit Mercy
\nAmanda Starkey \u2013 Policy Associate II, Policy Research Associates, Inc. (Class of 2012)
\nMatt Turner \u2013 Human Resource Generalist, Dexter (Class of 2021)
\nAllison Urban \u2013 Human Resource Generalist, Opus IVS (Class of 2021)
\nVictoria Vargas \u2013 Director, Global Corporate Human Resources, PHINIA (Class of 2008)
\nAngelo Vitale \u2013 Retired General Counsel and Chief Executive Officer, Rocket Financial Services and Rock Central; Executive in Residence
\nKathleen Zimmerman-Oster, PhD \u2013 Professor and Program Director, University of Detroit Mercy<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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\u2014and Engle is part of a pioneering team building out the company\u2019s first-ever HR department.<\/p>\n
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\n\u201cThis program definitely equipped me with the skills necessary to catch on and keep up,\u201d Engle said. \u201cWe\u2019re tackling a lot of issues at once, but it\u2019s been a whirlwind in the best way.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Engle, the richness of the panel comes from the diversity of voices in the room\u2014ranging from fresh graduates to those with decades of industry knowledge and academic insight.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what\u2019s really special about this program\u2014its immense network of engaged alumni from very different fields,\u201d she said. \u201cThe list of industries, job titles, and career paths is endless.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of us are just now stretching our legs in the workforce and realizing, \u2018Wow, I wish I had known this earlier,\u2019\u201d she added. \u201cAnd the more experienced alumni\u2014they\u2019re looking at the next generation and saying, \u2018We need graduates who have these qualities.\u2019 It\u2019s a full-circle moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
The panel\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s more than a review,\u201d Dr. Zimmerman-Oster said. \u201cIt\u2019s about building community, honoring our alumni, and designing a program that reflects the future of the world of work\u2014and the future of Detroit Mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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