Though her education took a non-traditional path, 2002 Glen Oaks Community College alumna Jamie Yesh has come full circle to a role she loves as the school’s human resources director.
Originally from Marshall, Yesh moved to Sturgis for a time and joined the information technology department of the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District. Seeking a night job for extra money, she began bartending – which provided her not only the needed funds, but also enough to complete one class per semester at Glen Oaks.
Taking classes online and at night to earn her associate’s in business, “it took me five years to finish my two year degree,” she said.
She appreciated the personal attention of the instructors – “when you go to a bigger school you don’t get that connection because of the number of students,” she said – and the college’s affordability.
Her next step took her to Houghton Lake, where some family members held part ownership in The Quest Golf Club. She parlayed her food and beverage experience into two seasons as general manager until they found a golf pro and new management.
Relocating to Kalamazoo, Yesh joined the human resources department at Ascension Borgess Hospital, where after several years of employment she learned they would eventually engage in a massive restructuring, moving many operations to St. Louis.
Married to Ramie, raising two young daughters, and working full-time, she went back to night school at Robert B. Miller College in Battle Creek, earning her bachelor of business degree.
When the changes at Borgess took effect, she quit her job and soon a friend apprised her of the opening in Glen Oaks’ HR department – a perfect fit for the graduate of 15 years previous.
“I enjoy problem solving, working with people to solve problems, and finding solutions for difficult situations,” she said. “It’s nice when we can find a resolution that works for everyone.”
Though as a student attending outside of typical school hours she didn’t have the connection to campus offered through clubs and activities, she now gets involved with organizations that seek to make the school better for everyone.
She serves as secretary of an organization new to Glen Oaks, American Association for Women in Community Colleges, whose goal is women supporting women in the community college environment. Open to students, employees, and community members – and 20 strong so far – they offer leadership skills training and mentoring opportunities.
Glen Oaks has a mentoring program, pairing new students with employee mentors who reach out and let them know “we’re here for them,” and connect them with college and community resources as necessary.
“We’re really trying to support the student through multiple avenues, not just coming to class,” said Yesh, who has two mentees of her own. “We’re supporting the student as a whole.”
She also participates in the school’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) Committee, discussing ways to make sure the campus is safe and inclusive for students and employees. The group makes policy recommendations to the college council and offers professional development opportunities.
When Yesh has free moments, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and is an avid reader of everything from 30-40 books per year to the back of a cereal box at breakfast.