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 am honored to lead the Office of Student Life. I have been in my role for a little over a year and at the University for about 5 years, and have loved every minute of it! Before this, I worked in Student Success with success programming and success coaching.
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!
Aryka Rice
Assistant Director
I am Aryka (Erica) Rice and I am the first in my family to attend college (Whooo First-Gen!). I am proud to have earned my Bachelor of Arts in Health Policy Studies and Economics from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and my Master of Arts in Educational Leadership - HESA from Eastern Michigan University.
I am from Detroit and currently live in Taylor, MI.
I am currently the Student Life Coordinator for New Student Engagement in the Office of Student Life (OSL). I have been in this role since July 2019. As the NSE Coordinator, I have the pleasure of overseeing the following program offerings:
- CRUISE to Success
- MODEL T
- The Engaged Scholar Community
- DUCC Mentoring Program
Before this, I served as a Success Coach in the Office of Student Life. I have been employed at the University of Michigan-Dearborn since August 2017.
Realizing how important education is, it is my duty to support and guide students through their academic journey. I enjoy serving as a success advocate providing students with personalized support and a listening ear.
My favorite thing about UM-Dearborn is the community feeling and the passion that students bring to campus! It feels like home!
My absolute favorite season is Fall. I enjoy everything about this season - warm cider and donuts, football, Halloween, and more!
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.