Megan Persons - NMU Blog

As the Enrollment Equity Coordinator, I work with district administrators, building staff, students, caregivers, and community liaisons to support recruitment and retention efforts in one of the largest and most diverse school districts in Michigan. My job is to ensure all aspects of the enrollment process (policies, procedures, etc.) are equitable and efficient.

At NMU I learned how to balance competing priorities. As a student I carried a full course load, remained involved with student organizations, and maintained on-campus employment—all while working with people of different ideological backgrounds. I learned quickly how to manage time and work in partnership with people, skills that continues to serve me well in my professional life.

Take time to building meaningful relationships with the professionals at NMU. Whether it’s a resident director, supervisor, or professor, the adults at Northern care deeply about your success. Fostering those relationships will benefit you academically and personally.

Like many Wildcats, I love all things outdoors: camping, biking, hiking, playing soccer, etc. I am also deeply invested in community uplift, so I regularly join justice-oriented committees and participate in local programs and events.

Dr. Lesley Larkin and Dr. Kia Jane Richmond were tremendously influential during my time at Northern. Dr. Richmond modeled how to be a compassionate, student-centered educator who cares deeply about her content and her students simultaneously. Dr. Larkin challenged me academically and philosophically, helping me shape the way I center equity in all things personal and professional. Both women are exceptional educators and human beings.

You can and you should. If you think it, believe it, or want it, don’t settle for less than that. Trust yourself and go do it.