Champion for college: Grad student wins statewide award for guiding high schoolers

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Malitta Dillard, a master’s student in the higher education and student affairs program at Western Michigan University, has received the Michigan College Access Network’s Ombudsman Award. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to helping students at Taylor High School navigate the college exploration and application process.

“I was shocked in the best way,” says Dillard. “I felt so grateful, proud and low-key emotional. As a Taylor High School alum who came back to serve as an advisor, it really feels like a full-circle moment.”

During her two years with AdviseMI, an AmeriCorps program, Dillard conducted more than 400 one-on-one sessions and supported more than 200 students in completing college applications at Taylor High School. She also helped her first graduating class secure nearly $3 million in scholarships.

Her nominator for the award highlighted how she engaged and incorporated community-based businesses in creating unique partnerships that motivated students to complete critical college preparation steps. Dillard also shared best practices she had learned with fellow advisors to help them succeed.

“My psychology background definitely shows up in how I advise—lots of listening, realistic goal-setting and meeting students where they are. I focused on building real trust, helping students move step by step and still holding them accountable.”

In addition to her studies in the master’s program, Dillard also serves as a graduate assistant in the Office of the President, where she continues to support students and carry out WMU’s motto, “So that all may learn.”

“WMU really gave me the space to even think about going back for my master’s again—and that’s huge,” says Dillard. “The support and encouragement, especially from Dr. Ramona Lewis, reminded me that I’m capable and that I belong in this space.

“Watching how deeply higher education professionals impact students made me realize this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. WMU helped light that fire back up, and now I’m running with it!”

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