University of Michigan-Flint

Deborah White, Director
Deb has overall responsibility for supporting academic online and weekend programs, and managing noncredit professional development (PD) offerings. She also assists in developing and teaching PD courses. She has a BA in journalism from Michigan State University, MBA from UM-Flint, and has completed training as an online instructor. She was previously with the Michigan Virtual University.

Theresa Stevens, Assistant Director
Theresa has the major responsibility for managing the academic, online offerings for the University. She assists online faculty with instructional design and Blackboard training, and assists online students with registration, orientation, and general technical support. She also teaches professional development courses offered through the Office of Extended Learning. Theresa holds AAS, BBA, and MBA degrees from Baker College.  She is pursuing a Master of Education with a concentration in Instruction.

Andrea Becker, Instructional Designer
Andrea develops non-credit courses and assists academic faculty in course design. She earned her master's degree in German as a foreign language, organizational psychology and intercultural communication at the University of Munich, Germany. There, she developed language software and researched the efficacy of computer-based language learning and collaborated in a knowledge management project. She also earned certifications in online publishing and in business and marketing in Germany, and was trained as an online instructor through Michigan Virtual University.

Terri Blackwell, Instructional Technologist
Terri has the major responsibility for managing noncredit professional development programs. She is a Microsoft Certified Master Trainer for all MS Office products, a Certified IC3 Specialist and earned her online teaching certification from UCLA. In addition to having the major responsibility for designing and teaching professional development courses, Terri assists faculty with course design and Blackboard issues. Prior to joining UM-Flint, Terri was a trainer at Dow. She is an alumna of Davenport University’s business program.

Brandon Blinkenberg, Instructional Learning Assistant
Brandon provides one-on-one support and group workshop training to faculty and students. Brandon graduated in 2002 from Michigan State University with a BA in Telecommunications with a specialization in Digital Media Arts and Technology.  He received his Masters in Educational Technology from the College of Education at Michigan State University in 2005. Prior to joining UM-Flint, Brandon was an instructional technologist and adjunct faculty member in Educational Technology at Michigan State University.

Erin Buitendorp, Recruitment Coordinator
Erin provides outreach for University of Michigan-Flint at the Lansing Community College University Center. She coordinates and conducts recruitment activities with Lansing Community College and local organizations/businesses. She corresponds with and assists students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Erin received her AA from Lansing Community College, BA from Siena Heights University and MA from Western Michigan University in College Counseling/Student Affairs. Erin is working toward completing her State of Michigan counseling license and National Certified Counselor certification.

Joseph Fenty, Recruitment Coordinator
Joseph provides outreach for the University of Michigan-Flint at Wayne County Community College District. He coordinates and conducts recruitment activities at Wayne County Community College District and local healthcare organizations. He corresponds with and assists students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Joseph received his A.A. from Technical Career Institute, B.B.A. from Pace University in Management Information System, M.A. from the University of Northern Iowa in Student Affairs and M.A. from the University of Michigan in Higher Education.

Mary Garrett, PhD, CCP, Instructional Designer
Mary is both a "virtual" and contractual instructor and has assumed leadership of our Intensive Course Development, which is the crux of UM-Flint’s online instructor certificate program. She earned her doctorate at Michigan State University in educational systems development with an emphasis in instructional technology, and both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in mathematics education at Wayne State University. She is a certified computer professional (Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals) in data processing, computer programming and systems management.

Nicholas Gaspar, Blackboard Administrator
Nick is the “go to” guy for education technology, computer systems, software and programming. He is responsible for Blackboard administration, technology support for faculty, and will eventually assume responsibility for the online helpdesk. Previously a member of the Information Technology Services, Nick works closely with that department to ensure smooth operation of all online services. He has a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from UM-Flint and has completed his Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

Krista Heiser, Administrative Specialist
Krista provides administrative support for the Office of Extended Learning. In addition to assisting staff members, she also works with the helpdesk and online faculty members. In addition, she is also the on-site SB-CEU coordinator for Michigan Department of Education continuing education units.  Krista holds an AAS from Baker College and a BAS from the University of Michigan-Flint.  She is pursuing a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature.

Sara Miller, Marketing Assistant
Sara develops, coordinates, and implements marketing activities for the Office of Extended Learning, the University of Michigan-Flint’s satellite sites, professional development courses, and the Return to Learn program. Sara earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from Ferris State University where she studied public relations.

Jessica Monschau, Administrative Assistant
Jessica provides administrative support for the Office of Extended Learning. In addition to organizing events and staff requests, she is responsible for managing the department’s extensive waitlist system.  She also maintains office data, and handles student inquires.  Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the University of Michigan-Flint.

Tiffny Rohner, Recruiting Coordinator
Tiffny plans, coordinates, and conducts recruitment activities for St. Clair County Community College and Mott Community College. She corresponds with the students, faculty, staff, and the general public for these campuses. Tiffny received her AAS from Mott Community College and received her BBA from the University of Michigan-Flint.

Carson Waites, Instructional Learning Assistant
Carson provides one-on-one support and group workshop training to faculty and students using the Blackboard learning management system.  He contributes to continuing education course development and instruction, and facilitates remote learning opportunities using our interactive television classroom.  Carson has received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts in English from the University of Michigan-Flint.  He is pursuing a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University.

Charles Wright, Systems Analyst