The Thomas College Office of Graduate and Professional Studies welcomed two new staff members to their team earlier this fall.
Mike Akanji ’15 M.B.A. ‘17 joined the team as the Assistant Director of Graduate and Professional Studies. Kristin Bishop M.B.A. ‘22 joined the team as the Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment. Both Mike and Kristin are alumni of the Master of Business Administration Program. Mike also received his undergraduate degree from Thomas College.
“The experience, energy, and positivity Mike and Kristin bring to the office every day is infectious. As alumni of Thomas Graduate programs, they are best suited to promote our suite of graduate offerings.” Said Mikaela Ziobro M.S. ED. ‘15, Director of Graduate and Professional Studies. “Mike will concentrate on serving our current students and recruiting our undergraduate students to graduate programs. Kristin is responsible for recruiting from our employer partner, international, and all external constituent bases. Having two dedicated recruiting professionals will support continued enrollment growth in the graduate division.”
Mike will be outreaching to students in many diverse ways, both in his role in the Graduate and Professional Studies Office and as the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach.
“Working with students that are in the position I was in is very exciting to me. I get to help shape their futures in a different way in this new role.” Said, Mike. “I’m excited to be here and continue to inspire students from different backgrounds and different walks of life to pursue their goals and achieve them.”
Mike and Kristin are joining the office at an exciting time. This fall there was a 48 percent increase in online graduate program enrollment compared to last year. The office has also developed Business and Employer Preferred Educational Partnerships with eight organizations, including Hannaford, City of Portland, and Sappi, just to name a few. This is also the first full academic year that all of Thomas College’s graduate programs can be completed 100% online.
“It is such a privilege to work with students and community members, to hear their stories and to be able to play a small part in helping them meet their personal and professional goals,” said Kristin. “The opportunity to also work in partnership with businesses and community organizations to support workforce development needs and innovative educational practices across Maine is deeply rewarding. I continue to be inspired by Thomas’ commitment to preparing graduates for leadership and service and dedication to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century workforce.”
For more information about Thomas College’s Office of Graduate and Professional Studies go to Thomas.edu/gps.