Janet joined the staff of Hope College as alumni director. While she greatly enjoyed connecting and developing relationships with alumni from so many eras of the college's history, she realized she was missing student interaction. She was fortunate to be hired as the tutoring coordinator in what was then known as the Academic Support Center. In 2006 she was promoted to director of the center and in 2016 she was named the first endowed director of the Academic Success Center.

EDUCATION

• M.A., organizational communication with rhetorical communication emphasis, University of Kansas
• B.A., communication and German, Hope College

Professional Experience

In addition to her professional experience at Hope, Janet taught interpersonal communication and public speaking at both Purdue University and the University of Kansas, and also worked in corporate sales and marketing.

HONORS, GRANTS, AWARDS, & PUBLISHED WORK

• Teaching Excellence Award, University of Kansas
• Named first endowed director of the Academic Success Center, Hope College

Why Do You Love Hope?

Janet's first visit to Hope College was during her junior year of high school. What she loved about it then is still true now: Hope students, faculty and staff are truly special people. The atmosphere is so friendly, the professors and staff genuinely care about students and, walking across campus, students say hi to strangers and smile. Not only do Hope people celebrate with each other, but they also come alongside each other in times of sorrow. That is the essence of Hope!

Outside the College

Outside of work, Janet enjoys spending time with family and friends, biking, exercising, playing with her dog, reading and traveling — both domestically and internationally.