South Haven Speakers Series Presents.... Dr. Jean Norris

The South Haven Speakers Series Presents....... Dr. Jean Norris.
Dr. Norris will address the increasing cost of a college education and the impact of student loan debt.  Is a four year college degree really worth it?  Earlier in the day, she will address the sophomore and junior students at South Haven High School on the topic of how to go about finding the right fit for what school to attend following high school graduation. 
Is College the Right Choice?
The Speakers Series of South Haven continues with its second presentation of 2017 with a topic designed to help students and parents make the best choice about higher education.   Dr. Jean Norris, who has spent over 30 years working in higher education marketing and admissions, will tackle that challenge when she addresses the audience in South Haven on Thursday March 30.
 
With the certainty of college costs and student loan debt continuing to mount, and the uncertainty of post-graduation employment with an income that will support living expenses and repayment of all that debt, it isn't unreasonable to ask if it is really worth it. 
 
"If you are a high school student, parent, or grandparent of a student making a higher education decision, you may be asking if the investment is really worth it. Is this a dream worth pursuing?  We believe Dr. Norris will help answer those questions and others," said Frank Cunningham, one of the Speakers Series charter board members who is program chair for this event. 
 
A college degree is part of the American dream for many families.  Yet with 80 % of students changing majors at least once and only 59 % of younger students completing their degree, finding the right course of study and the right school is no easy task.





Dr. Norris will present an insider's view of the recruitment and admissions process. Her experience and insights will help families address the challenges they face in finding the right fit between student and program, as well as determining if is really worth the money and effort. 
 
Dr. Norris and her son Michael, who will draw upon his own educational journey, will share what they have learned and introduce the Five Factors of Fit that help align goals with career and college options.  Whether you or someone you know is considering college, "Is College the Best Choice" will be a lively presentation on how to empower yourself to make the best decision.  Earlier in the day, they will make a special presentation to the students at South Haven High School designed to assist them in aligning their goals with career and college options.
 
Dr. Norris took a non-traditional path to higher education, getting her first full-time job, an apartment and a Ford Mustang at age 18.  But the idea of being the first person in her family to attend college inspired her to sell everything, move, and enroll in a medical assisting program.  She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Management, a Master's degree in Communications and Training, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership.
 
Dr. Norris is a popular presenter on the higher education conference circuit, an award-winning author, and managing partner at Norton/Norris, Inc, a Chicago based consulting firm working with colleges and universities around the country.  Her career has included roles as Vice President for Enrollment Management, Academic Dean, and Vice President of Admissions.
 
The presentation will be held  at Lake Michigan College, 125 Veterans Blvd.,  in South Haven. A pre-presentation reception with the speaker will begin at 6:45 followed by the speech at 7:30 p.m.  Admission is $10 at the door including the reception.  Students are admitted free.