Alumni Named Outstanding Staff at Bay College

Two Northern Michigan University alumni were honored as the 2026 Outstanding Staff members at Bay College during an awards banquet near the end of the academic year. Marie Johnson, who earned a bachelor's from NMU in applied workplace leadership, serves as Bay's records and registration assistant. Kyle Schaeffer, who holds a bachelor's and master's in education from NMU, serves as the college's academic success manager.

According to a press release, Johnson began her Bay College journey as a student worker for financial aid while earning her associate in arts in business administration in 2019. She then continued her education at NMU, completing her bachelor's degree before returning to Bay College in June 2022 as the records and registration assistant.

"Marie is always very professional in her communication with faculty and students," a colleague wrote. "She not only values input from others; she seeks it out. She is very committed to her position and is willing to go above and beyond to make sure students are well-served."

Schaeffer has served as Bay College's academic success manager since fall 2022, bringing a deep passion for student support and success to his role. A Bay College graduate himself, he continued his education at NMU.

His online bio states that he has more than a decade of classroom experience at the middle and high school levels. Over his years in education, Schaeffer has also had the opportunity to be a tutor, content reviewer for online instructional materials, and a reading instructor for NMU's Upward Bound summer program.

"Kyle treats everyone with genuine respect, no matter who they are or what they're coming in for," a colleague stated. "You can feel his enthusiasm when he talks with students or works with coworkers-he truly enjoys helping people, and it shows. He's friendly, down to earth, and never too busy to stop and listen. That kind of attitude goes a long way, especially in a college environment where students often need reassurance, and staff rely on one another."

Bay's Oustanding Staff Award recipients have been employed for at least three years and are judged by their job knowledge; respect and enthusiasm toward colleagues, students and community members; the positive influence they create within the work environment; and collaborations with other staff members and faculty.