Jennifer Hegenauer Email Address

Executive Director of Research, Planning and Assessment, Extended and International Operations

Ferris Research was added to Crunchbase.

Early lessons in the scientific method have led to a life-long passion for asking questions, formulating possible solutions, implementing ideas, and testing the results. As the foundation for process improvement, this passion for inquiry and identifying the best possible solution has served me well in various roles. If asked, supervisors and colleagues would say I am a team player who can be counted on to lead large and small projects and a valuable resource for discussing ideas for strategic planning and process improvement projects. Leadership is a journey. For me, the journey is based on a foundation of concern for people, meaningful and worthwhile work, trust, and respect. Living these values is the foundation for building a collaborative work environment that is ready for ambiguity, complex challenges, and political pressures. My leadership abilities have been developed through study and application that have helped me meet emerging challenges in our work and world. All of this supports a leadership style that includes showing respect, compassion, and concern through listening and seeking to understand people and situations. I began my relationship with Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, in June of 1999 as a Marketing Specialist, then as Director of Marketing, accepted an expanded role as Director of Marketing Research and Communication for Extended and International Operations and advanced to serve as the Executive Director of Research, Planning, and Assessment - Extended and International Operations. Along the way, I earned my Doctorate in Community College Leadership in 2018. My service has included serving on various committees primarily focused on higher learning initiatives and academic affairs leadership. I've published articles about assessing student learning and processes and improving the pathway to showing students the way to success. My current role includes office administration, supervision, staffing, approving payroll for 100 adjunct instructors and faculty assignments, and supporting various units and departments. I allocate time and energy into spearheading research for new/existing programs and coordinate strategic planning and assessment activities in association with multiple components of off-campus, online, and non-credit programs. As a passionate life-long learner, I continue studying Lean and Six Sigma practices and am working toward Lean Bronze Certification through the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).