Tyler Guenette
Director
I am the first in my family to attend college and work in a professional position. I am proud to have earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Communication from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, my Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University, and to now be pursuing my Doctorate of Education at the Johns Hopkins University.
I’m from a small town in central Illinois called Watseka. And while it’s true my hometown was surrounded by cornfields, contrary to popular belief, I was not in fact born in those cornfields :)
I have been leading the Office of Student Life since its formation in the Summer of 2019. Prior to leading the Office of Student Life, I began my time here at UM-Dearborn in 2015 working in Student Success as a Success Coach and Assistant Director.
To me, student success is important because I know the struggles students can face - especially first gen students. I got into student affairs to help others navigate college and find success; just like folks helped me along the way as I was trying to navigate my college experience.
My favorite thing about UM-Dearborn is the energy and excitement all of the students bring, and the motivation each has to make a difference on campus and in the community.
Truthfully, as each new season hits I usually say it’s my favorite season….they all just have so many great things about them! That being said, I may lean toward fall and spring as my ‘official’ favorite seasons. The temperatures aren’t too hot nor too cold and you can enjoy the crisp cool evenings with a bonfire while also enjoying the warm days by being outside hiking, biking, and exploring!
Aja Gore
Student Life Coordinator, Fraternity & Sorority Life and Campus Traditions
My name is Aja Gore. I am a graduate of Central Michigan University (Fire Up Chips!). I completed my master's at Oakland University in Higher Education Leadership and I am currently working on a second masters in Counseling. I am part of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
I am from Detroit, Michigan.
I am the Fraternity and Sorority Life and Campus Traditions Coordinator. I am 25 days old so I am pretty new to the position. I have been working in Higher Education for about 4 years.
Student success is important to me because it stresses the importance of instilling a space for exposure, growth, and new opportunities and ultimately allows us to help build the next generation of leaders.
I like the Downtown area with the number of food choices there are and I am extremely close to where I live.
My favorite season is Fall and I host a Friendsgiving every year as a tradition.
Julie Colbath
Student Life Coordinator, Civic Engagement
Julie Colbath
Shelby Township, MI
I am the Coordinator of Civic Engagement and I have been in this role since January 2020! My job has many components, but the main ones are overseeing voter engagement on campus, the Student Food Pantry, and volunteer opportunities, including Alternative Breaks.
Student success is important to me because though college is supposed to be the great equalizer, everyone does not come with equal resources or access. It's important to me to help students navigate the complexities of college and provide them with experiences outside the classroom so they are able to learn, grow, and achieve their goals.
I'm relatively new to UM-Dearborn, but I love the campus climate and community. Everyone is welcoming and the students are incredibly passionate!
My favorite season is fall. I love going to the apple orchard to pick apples, eat donuts, and drink cider.