Dana Schumacher-Schmidt

What is your advising philosophy? My goal as an advisor is to provide equitable and inclusive support to students as they make their way through the vastness of U-M. Universities provide amazing resources and opportunities, but can also be confusing and daunting places. I hope to help all students access the tools available to them to reach their academic, personal, and social goals, and to build community during their time here. I look forward to learning with and from students as we work together from orientation to graduation.

What was your path to Newnan? My path started in Florida, where I grew up, led north to Minnesota, where I went to grad school, then brought me to Michigan, where I started working full time in higher education. Prior to joining Newnan, I was an English professor at Siena Heights University. I initially pursued teaching because I had several amazing, inspiring professors as an undergraduate, and I wanted to be that person for my own students. Over the years, I realized that what I enjoyed most was working one-on-one with students, getting to know them as whole people, and helping them figure out who they are, where they want to be, and how to get there. As an advisor, I can be an ally and advocate for students throughout their full educational experience.

Why did you join Newnan? My first impression of the Newnan staff was of a welcoming, supportive community of people who care about students and about each other, and all of my experiences so far have confirmed that impression. Newnan is a place where asking questions and learning from each other is encouraged.

Class you loved and why? I’ve always loved to learn, so it’s hard to pick a favorite. One class that has stuck with me is a course on Chaucer from my undergrad days. The class allowed me to appreciate how interesting, weird, and absolutely relevant medieval culture can be. I still have a copy of the final assignment guidelines, which the professor wrote in Middle English verse, in the style of The Canterbury Tales, incorporating all of the students as characters in the tale. Looking back on it now, I appreciate the creativity and care he brought to the class.

Interests and hobbies: I love cooking and baking, along with working in my vegetable garden that provides yummy ingredients all summer long. I enjoy walking (usually while listening to a podcast), reading (sci-fi/fantasy and mystery are my favorite genres), and watching classic horror movies. I think public libraries are awesome and essential, so I feel honored to serve on the board of trustees for my local library. I watch Jeopardy almost every night. Fun fact–I’m a Jeopardy champion!