Nygil Likely keeps the focus on students as LMC enters Fall semester

When Nygil Likely came to Lake Michigan College in July 2019 to lead the Student Affairs team, he knew the job would provide new challenges. He couldn't have imagined, however, that a global pandemic would be among them. 

"It's been a test to make sure we can still provide students the services that they need, that they want and that they deserve," said Likely, LMC's Vice President, Student Affairs. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Likely has been instrumental in addressing student needs as LMC adapted to remote learning. He's led the College in making sure students have access to reliable technology with a loaner laptop program and worked to increase internet access with mobile hotspots. He's helped expand access to mental health counseling and worked diligently with academics to enhance LMC's overall student experience heading into a Fall semester with five different course delivery options. 

"We continue to put our students first," Likely said. "Whether we are in a pandemic or not, the mission is still the same. We look for ways to remove barriers, whether it is getting students into college or getting them through college so that they have the greatest possible access to success." 

Likely's mission gives him oversight over every aspect of students' LMC experience. He oversees Admissions, Advising, Records and Registration, Student Life, Residence Life, Financial Aid, Student Support Services, Athletics, Upward Bound, the Educational Opportunity Center, and the Start-to-Finish program. As of July 1, Likely and his team now oversee Campus Safety and Security, Kidzone, and the Barnes & Noble bookstore. 

"By bringing security, the bookstore, and Kidzone under Student Affairs, it allows us to have a more coordinated, collaborative approach," he said. "It's recognition for the entire division and the work that we've been able to accomplish over the past year to streamline access to our student services." 

Likely holds a Masters of Arts in Adult Education & Training and Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix. He is pursuing a doctorate in higher leadership at Aspen University and lives in Grand Rapids with his wife, Kieychia Likely, and their four children. 

Before joining LMC, Likely served as director of college access for Calvin University. His previous 23 years of higher education and non-profit experience also include stints as associate vice chancellor of enrollment management at City Colleges of Chicago, career development manager at Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center, and program director YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. 

While those experiences all shape his approach, Likely is quick to deflect attention to the students he now serves. 

"We have had to come together as a team, as a College, and as a community," Likely said. "We hope that will lead to increased student success, increased student retention, and increased enrollment for the College. There may be many unknowns ahead with the pandemic, but we are committed to delivering services to our students whether we need to do it remotely, on-campus, or both."