In this episode, we sit down with Tonya Jennings and Nathan Wright from Baker College (now with a mascot: The Bees!) to explore how the institution is creating new paths for education, especially for returning students, first-gen learners, and working professionals. We kick off with a look at their innovative "Return to the Hive" program, which offers institutional debt forgiveness for former students who left Baker due to unpaid balances. Half the debt is forgiven after one term, and the rest after completing a second semester. This initiative is specifically designed to remove financial barriers and re-engage students who’ve been out of the system for two years or more.
We shift into how Baker supports first-generation college students through its "First-Gen Bees" program, which offers guidance and community for both students and staff who are navigating college without the benefit of a parent who’s been through the process. Tonya and Nathan emphasize the college’s “students first” culture, which drives many of their initiatives.
The conversation moves to flexible programs like the new Accelerated One-Year MBA. Fully online and built for busy professionals, it allows students to move through coursework every four weeks and earn a degree in a single year. That flexibility extends to their continuing education offerings as well. Baker boasts over 1,400 non-credit courses, covering everything from trade skills like HVAC and CDL training to lifestyle topics like gardening in small spaces. The college also partners with local employers to address skill gaps, such as creating Spanish-for-manufacturing training to help teams communicate more effectively.
Looking toward the future, Baker is doubling down on high-demand fields like healthcare and technology. Nursing remains a huge focus with no waitlists across campuses, and AI integration is quickly becoming a staple within programs and classrooms. The staff shares how Baker is embracing AI not as a threat but as a tool to enhance learning and career readiness, ensuring students are equipped to use it ethically and effectively.
We also hear about their summer programs for middle and high schoolers, offering structured academic engagement during the break. These camps are expanding and serve as an important on-ramp for future learners. We close with a fun segment on favorite childhood books, giving the audience a peek at the personalities behind the professionals.
Baker has campuses in Royal Oak, Owosso, and online.
Learn more at www.baker.edu.
00:00 – Return to the Hive Debt Forgiveness
02:11 – What Makes the Program Unique
04:08 – Supporting First-Generation Students
05:17 – Accelerated One-Year MBA
06:08 – Continuing Ed & Trades Training
08:02 – Summer Camps for Youth
09:16 – Workforce Trends & AI Integration
12:26 – AI’s Role in Student Learning
12:52 – Fishbowl Question: Childhood Books
14:55 – How to Connect with Baker College
Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/
Connect with our hosts:
Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/
Lisa Bibbee from Century 21 Northland - http://soldbylisab.com/
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