Get to Know HFC: Kristine Rouleau thrives on the energy and fantastic partnerships in higher ed

HFC Admissions Recruiter Kristine Rouleau did not plan a career in higher education. But she found her passion in the opportunity to influence students' lives.

“I wanted to work in an organization where I felt I could have purpose and impact. My job is a great fit for my talents and values,” said Rouleau, a veteran marathoner who was named the Detroit Free Press Michelob ULTRA Runner of the Week in 2020.

Rouleau was born in Germany, where her late father was stationed during his military service. As a child, she lived in Oregon and Illinois before her family eventually settled in Michigan, where both her parents had grown up. Rouleau called Dearborn her “adopted hometown.” She has three daughters, whom she calls “pure sunshine.” This summer, she will get married, and looks forward to building a blended family with her new husband's two children.

A graduate of Edsel Ford High School, Rouleau earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Western Michigan University. During the summer between her freshman and sophomore years at WMU, she took advantage of the guest student option at HFC (then Henry Ford Community College) and completed two classes toward her bachelor’s degree. Rouleau later earned her master’s degree in marketing from Walsh College in Troy.

Education can be transformative

Rouleau has worked at HFC for 10 years. Her duties include visiting area high schools, various community events, and college fairs in an effort to recruit potential students to attend HFC. She plans major on-campus events – most notably, leading and organizing Discover Day – collaborating on marketing materials, and working with students in small groups or individually. She reports to HFC Director of Admissions and Recruiting Tracy Perry.

“I believe education can be transformative for individuals, families, and communities,” said Rouleau. “However, the cost keeps going up at so many institutions, making it harder to access. I wanted to be at a college that provides open access and affordable education.”

Leadership in many forms

Rouleau has been a supportive teammate and leader in Admissions and Recruiting through a lot of change over the years. She is the team's most senior recruiter, and has provided mentorship and support to new team members. "I've been impressed by Kristine's team-oriented leadership capabilities," said Rhonda DeLong, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. "Kristine stepped up in essential ways during the nearly full-year period when we did not have a director for the department. She willingly took on extra responsibilities, kept me apprised of things that needed to be done, and led the way in major events and activities to keep the department on track. She was also a rock for her teammates during that time, providing them with feedback and peer guidance. I appreciated her willingness to challenge me and to help my process of evaluating what the department needed in terms of leadership and structure. I know this was a challenging time both personally and professionally, and she handled it with dignity and grace."

Rouleau is also a very talented recruiter, said DeLong. Students and school staff members relate well to her, and she brings an authentic and connected approach to the relationships she builds. She has developed significant expertise over the years, which benefits everyone associated with recruiting. "She is a valuable resource for our team and the College, as well as our K-12 partners. And it's a pleasure to work with her," said DeLong.

Doing her part to make HFC a safe, inclusive community

Rouleau is the co-advisor of HFC’s Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) Club, whose mission is to support LGBTQ students and allies. She works closely with fellow SAGA co-advisor Chelsea Lonsdale, an English instructor at the College.

“Being able to do this as a team is great because, together, we can be more available for our SAGA members,” said Rouleau. “I am impressed by our members and am excited about being able to work with them to make connections on campus, and to make HFC an even more safe and inclusive community.”

HFC Academic Advisor Troy Gibson, SAGA's former co-advisor, also enjoys working with Rouleau.

“Kristine’s knowledge of resources available at HFC demonstrates her willingness to network in the best interests of our students and HFC,” said Gibson. “She has demonstrated what a team player she is, whether it was carrying heavy bottles of water to displaying rainbow flags. She truly displayed her belief in the SAGA Club by helping further the mission of inclusivity and equality for all human beings. Thanks to her, SAGA events during Campus Pride Month became very well advertised and promoted. I find myself very lucky to have the opportunity to collaborate with Kristine.”

A certain energy being in higher ed

For Rouleau, the best part of her job is being able to help students, especially those who might feel stuck.

“Some struggles might seem relatively small, but helping to solve challenges can change the whole trajectory of someone’s day or semester, which I try to keep foremost on my mind. It sounds cliché, but I also love the variety and creativity this position allows. I get to work with high school students, counselors, families, and the HFC community, so every day is filled with fantastic partnerships,” she said. “I loved college, so I’m not surprised I ended up in higher education. There is a certain energy when you're working in higher ed. Every student we work comes to us with a goal or a dream. Even though our students are passing through HFC on their way to something great at their next college or in their career, I love working in a space that is a part of their journey.”