William Collins, Executive Director

William (Nick) Collins, a native of Detroit, Michigan earned his bachelor's degree and his doctorate in psychology from the University of Michigan. From 1992 to 2008, he served as Director of the U-M's Comprehensive Studies Program and Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychology. Collins has previously served as Director of the Learning Skills Center at Cornell University and as Staff Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Amy Prevo, Assistant Director

Amy Prevo has over 15 years experience working to increase educational opportunity for underserved students. She served as the Associate Director, then Director of the Upward Bound program at Eastern Michigan University and as a Faculty Facilitator in the Learning Assistance Center at Schoolcraft College. Amy earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from Olivet College and a master's degree in guidance & counseling from Eastern Michigan University.

Emily Flinkstrom, Program Coordinator

Emily Flinkstrom earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Vermont. She then dedicated two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA serving individuals with developmental disabilities in Salt Lake City, Utah. She continued her passion for helping people by completing a master's degree in social work at Colorado State University. Emily has also worked with the University of Michigan's Blavin Scholars program supporting U-M students formerly in foster care.

Deb Galbreath, Administrative Assistant

Debra Galbreath joins the CEO with a combined 18+ years administrative support experience. Prior to joining the CEO, Deb worked at Saline High School (Saline, MI) and Knox Presbyterian Church (Ann Arbor). After receiving an associate's degree in radiology technology from Washtenaw Community College, Debra began her career in health services at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (Ann Arbor) working as a staff technologist in the Radiology, Emergency Room, and Radiation Therapy departments.

Helki Jackson, Outreach Coordinator

Helki Jackson has a background in education and communication in the arts. Her experience as a youth and family mentor led her to secondary education where she taught in public schools for six years. Prior to joining the CEO as Outreach Coordinator, Helki spent four years working with the U-M Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) Players Theatre Program, practicing multicultural teaching through the art of theater. An alumnus of Eastern Michigan University, she has a bachelor's degree in communications.

Cathy Jenkins Newton, Business Administrator

Cathy Jenkins Newton earned her bachelor's degree from Concordia University in business administration. She has worked in academic settings for over 20 years at institutions including the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Oakwood University. Cathy began working at the U-M in 1990 serving as office coordinator for the Dermatology - Clinical Pharmacology Unit. Cathy has also worked in the School of Nursing where she coordinated student activities, financial aid and undergraduate admissions for the transfer and second career programs.

Lauren Jordan, AmeriCorps Member

Lauren Jordan serves the CEO as an AmeriCorps member through the Mentor Michigan College Coaching Corps program. Lauren's work at the CEO includes coordinating the Student Leader Initiative where she works to recruit highly motivated U-M undergraduate students to participate in various CEO initiatives. These student leaders are dispatched throughout the state and work with schools and communities to create a college-going culture. A native of Detroit, Michigan, she earned a bachelor's degree in movement science from the University of Michigan.

Christopher Rutherford, Program Manager

Christopher Rutherford has dedicated over 15 years in southeastern Michigan helping young people from all communities obtain higher education. Chris has served as a teacher in the Detroit Public Schools, Associate Director of the Upward Bound Program at Eastern Michigan University, and most recently as manager of Project Graduation at the Detroit Parent Network. A graduate of Wayne State University, Chris is continuing his graduate studies at Eastern Michigan University in social foundations of education.

Marie P. Ting, Program Manager

Marie Ting earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in higher education from the University of Michigan, and her doctorate in higher education policy and leadership from the University of Maryland. Prior to joining the CEO, she served as University Director of Student Affairs and Special Programs at the City University of New York (CUNY). She has also held positions in academic and student affairs at the University of Maryland and the University of Michigan.

Cortney Totty, Outreach Coordinator

Cortney Totty joins the CEO with a learning specialist background and more than five years of experience coordinating programs. Her work helping underserved populations overcome developmental issues related to identity, intellectual and emotional competencies have helped many students continue their studies beyond high school. A Detroit native, Cortney is an alumnus of Eastern Michigan University, where she earned both a bachelor's of business administration and a master's degree in educational leadership with a concentration in higher education/student affairs.

Michael Turner, Outreach Coordinator

Michael Turner has a background in K-12 co-curricular program coordination and facilitation. A native of Detroit, Michigan he attended Southern Methodist University where he received his bachelor's degree in the fine and performing arts. Prior to joining the CEO, he worked on programs that serve youth and families in southwest Detroit. Michael has used his educational background and personal experiences to reach out to youth in every capacity.