Staff

Professional Staff

  • Roderick Wallace, Director, Upward Bound  Expand dropdown

    Roderick Wallace, Director, Upward Bound

    Bio

    I was born and raised in Flint, MI, where I graduated from Flint Central High School. I then attended  Eastern Michigan University and achieved bachelor's degrees in both History and African-American Studies. Soon after, I received my Masters in Education from Marygrove College. For almost 20 years, I have had the privilege of working with thousands of inner-city youth through my work as a teacher and school administrator. Prior to joining the team at EMU UB, I was honored to serve as an administrator at River Rouge High School, where we specialized in trauma-sensitive practices and raised several million dollars in scholarship funds for students.

    Personal Information

    I currently reside in Farmington Hills, MI with my wife, Michele, and my two children, Julian and Mia. I enjoy audio production and engineering, sports, and podcasting.

    I love my job because

    As a young man, the efforts of my family and people in our community helped me to achieve greatness, and it has been my life's work to pay that forward. Post-secondary education is a non-negotiable in today's global society, and I believe that all students deserve the support and guidance necessary to navigate through the challenge. We have a fantastic and energetic team that are on fire for achievement!

    Email

    [email protected]

  • Biyi Akinlude, Program Coordinator Expand dropdown

    Biyi Akinlude, Program Coordinator

    Bio

    I have served as a tutor and peer advisor with Upward Bound since the Fall of 2010 and earned my Bachelor's Degree in Biology during that 5 year period.

    Personal Information

    I am the youngest of 7. I enjoy learning from different experiences and have never been one to limit myself. I strongly believe in dreams - whether it be pursuing mine or encouraging and supporting others to pursue theirs. I believe your dreams begin to take form when they become goals. I love playing games, especially board games. My favorites are Scrabble, Monopoly, Cash Flow and Chess. I credit my life today with three people: God who has preserved it, my Mother who has guided it and the many people who have influenced it whether positively or negatively, because it has and will all work out for good.

    I love my job because

    I get to be a light in the lives of the students and staff team. I understand the struggles of my students and know what it means for UB to be the only consistency in their lives. At the end of it all, it isn't simply about getting good grades or turing in the assignment on time, but about building their character. This influences everything else.

    Email

    [email protected]

  • Courtney Morris, College Success Specialist Expand dropdown

    Courtney Morris, College Success Specialist

    Bio

    As a Detroit Native, I graduated from Cass Technical High School (Detroit Public Schools). I then attended Schoolcraft College and later transferred to Eastern Michigan University. My bachelor's degree is in Health Administration & Social Work. After recognizing my purpose in education, I later graduated with a Master’s Degree in Student Affairs and Educational Leadership.

    I have spent much of my professional career engaging in many educational spaces. This includes working with first year students at Wayne State University, building Financial Wellness awareness for students at Central Michigan University, helping students navigate college as aspiring teachers with The Morris-Hood Educator Development Program at Saginaw Valley State University. Additionally, I have spent time in the K-12 system helping students navigate their post-secondary plans and served as a research assistant managing both quantitative and qualitative data. 

    Personal Information

    I enjoy traveling as it has served as a learning method! I love trying new foods that are rooted deeply in culture and history. I am a book fanatic!!! As a young child, I have always loved reading! I collect books of all sorts and sneakers.

    I love my job because

    It is a part of who I am. I am a firm believer that education provides individual freedom; freedom to think, freedom to be, freedom to create. I love my job because I get to see students and families navigate what freedom means for them. I also love my job because I get to see the twinkle in the eyes of students as they transition from one journey to the next. 

    Email

    [email protected]

  • Kim L. Rankins, Senior Secretary Expand dropdown

    Kim L. Rankins, Senior Secretary

    Bio

    I have worked a total 6.5 years at Eastern Michigan University in the Nursing Department and The Institute for the Study of Children, Families and Communities before starting with Upward Bound in 2008. I have Associate Degrees from Washtenaw Community College in Administrative Technology, Administrative Medical technology and a Certificate in Computer Applications. Currently, I am attending Eastern Michigan University and working toward completing my Bachelors degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology.

    Personal Information

    I have two beautiful daughters and a wonderful grandson. I enjoy several activities with my family such as swimming, biking and traveling. My hobbies include crocheting and taking care of my flowers and plants. My participation in church is also very important to me.

    I love my job because

    The environment is very friendly. The staff and student workers work together in meeting the goal of Upward Bounds mission statement. I enjoy watching the hard work the students of Upward Bound do to excel as high academic achievers. It is an honor to be a part of this team.

    Email

    [email protected]

Student Staff

  • Saurabh Wankhade (Mr. W) Expand dropdown

    Saurabh Wankhade (Mr. W)

    Member since

    Fall 2016

    Role

    Tutor - Mentor/ Graduate Assistant / Tutor Supervisor

    Major

    Computer Science

    Student-character memory

    Speaking of character reminds me of the day when two of our well-known students, Marcus and Oscar disrespected one of our veteran tutors Ms. Green. After hearing this, Mr. B spoke to both of them. The next day, both of them came to me and apologized for their behavior. A few days later, I was passing by Marcus and I overheard him correcting another peer in what he was corrected in a few days prior. At that moment, I felt that Marcus has grown in character.

    Student's academic performance memory

    I cannot forget the dedication and commitment a student showed during summer academy. When I was supervising study tables during summer academy, I realized she was missing seven assignments. Without completing those assignments she couldn't have made it to the out-of-state final trip. While every other student was anxious to go home at 3 p.m., it was her determination that made her call her mother to say, "Don't pick me up at 3 p.m. I want to finish my missing assignments. Come pick me up at 7". Not only did she finish her assignments but she was also able to understand the concepts behind those assignments. Although I burnt several candies on both ends to keep her motivated, the happiness I felt seeing her on the final trip was immeasurable.

    Vision/Goal for UB

    My vision for Upward bound is that students should start preparing for their SATs from their freshman year.

    Favorite UB component

    My favorite component of Upward Bound is Summer Academy. Summer academy helped me understand every student on an individual level. Not only did I help the kids with their academics but I also had a lot of fun playing soccer, eating multicultural dinner and making sidewalk art.

  • Desmine Robinson (Mr. Robinson) Expand dropdown

    Desmine Robinson (Mr. Robinson)

    Member since

    Fall 2015

    Role

    Tutor - Mentor

    Major

    Psychology, Undergrad

    Student-character memory

     When I first met Issac he was very shy. But after always talking to him first and being patient towards him, he began to share his voice with me. And now we talk all the time and he talks more to his peers!

    Student's academic performance memory

    During Summer academy a student worked so hard to focus and when he received his final grade for Reading Comprehension his smile was very contagious and it will always inspire me to keep pushing our students and to remind them to believe in themselves no matter what!

    Vision/Goal for UB

    I would like all our kids to go to college, to be on the honor roll, and for our students to be excited about learning, supportive towards each other and to be very curious of the wisdom their mentors bring to them in Upward Bound!

    Favorite UB component

    Summer Academy!

  • Claryn Scott (Ms. Scott) Expand dropdown

    Claryn Scott (Ms. Scott)

    Member since

    Fall 2016

    Role

    Tutor - Mentor

    Major

    Psychology, Undergrad

    Student-character memory

    Although it is hard to narrow it down to just one, a particular memory that I have was during summer academy. After having a challenging week communicating with a student, he finally approached me at the multicultural family event and apologized for his behavior. Not only did this show character in his apology, he also promised me that from this point on, we would no longer have any issues. To date, he has kept to his word and impressed me everyday with his growth.

    Student's academic performance memory

    A memory that has impacted me was when it came time to update Marcus' grades. Not only had he turned in all of his missing assignments, he had completely gotten out of the red. His hard work and determination to raise his grades showed me that he is ready to take on more mature challenges and is ready to set an example for other students to not only set goals, but to work hard to achieve them.

    Vision/Goal for UB

    My goal is to help students academically, but also to help them in the other areas of their lives that go beyond school. I strive to encourage our students to write, to communicate effectively, and to take care of themselves. I try to instill in our students the idea that you can't fill someone else's cup if yours is empty, which is why it is important to put the work into making yourself the best that you can be, because then helping others will naturally follow.

    Favorite UB component

    Summer Academy, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. Not only did I get to facilitate growth with our students, but I also grew as my own person. For as much as we impact the students, they impact us in ways they may not even realize.

  • Nicole Southerland (Ms. Southerland) Expand dropdown

    Nicole Southerland (Ms. Southerland)

    Member since

    Fall 2016

    Role

    Tutor - Mentor

    Major

    Secondary Education Language, Literature, and Writing

    Student-character memory

    There was one instance where I was working with Premel on his math basics. Instead of asking for help on the basics, he asked me for the answer making me believe that he wanted to check his work. After realizing he just wanted the answers, I talked to him about how there are times in life where you don’t have the answers, but you have to figure them out. He realized what he did was wrong, and he understood that it’s better to ask for help. Since then, he’s improved in character and does excellent work in school.

    Student's academic performance memory

    I loved watching the juniors in Junior Scholars grow from each semester and getting the scores they want. It was definitely a challenge to keep them engaged, but for those who do stick to Junior Scholars perform incredibly well on the SATs.

    Vision/Goal for UB

    I want the students to be able to mentor each other and help each other grow.

    Favorite UB component

     Junior Scholars

  • Emmanuel Akor Akor (Mr. Akor) Expand dropdown

    Emmanuel Akor Akor (Mr. Akor)

    Member since

    Summer 2017

    Role

    Tutor - Mentor

    Major

    Mechanical Engineering

    Student-character memory

    A specific memory of Jack Lyon is inadequate as I have seen this young lad grow continuously since the day I met him. He is different! His maturity at such a young age, responsibility, and dedication is phenomenal. I dare to say he has set a standard for others to follow, and I am hopeful that he will only get better and better.

    Student's academic performance memory

    I remember Daniella Buendia’s academic improvement during the 2017 Summer Academy; it is one that will hardly leave my memory. Though she had fallen back in class, she was able to rise back up and thrive to get work done, though it cost her. That for me defines success; being able to rise up from, not settle for failure. And I do hope to see that in all of the kids too.

    Vision/Goal for UB

    My vision for the Upward Bound Family is to see the kids be “Upward Bound” in Character and their academic pursuit. I would not want to see any one of them be mediocre, or settle for less, but maximize the opportunities made available to them while they can, to better themselves. I want the boys to be as plants grown up in their youths, and the girls as cornerstones polished after the similitude of the palace. It does not come easy, but the Joy of the end result far outweighs the pain, and sacrifices during hard work.

    Favorite UB component

    My favorite UB component is the Summer Academy. I get to spend time with the kids outside the classroom, and I am opportune to see how effective they are in other areas of life. It is also a time where the kids get to experience what the college life is like, and I believe this goes a long way in preparing them for college.

  • Jessica Eddings (Ms. Eddings) Expand dropdown

    Jessica Eddings (Ms. Eddings)

    Member since

    Fall 2016

    Role

    Tutor - Mentor

    Major

    Secondary Education in English, Undergrad

    Student-character memory

    After working with Kameko on his flashcards for English on a Thursday, college club ended soon after we finished making them. He asked me to keep them so we could study next Monday. Sure enough the next week he asked me if I was ready to continue studying for his test, and I was proud that he was able to stick to his word and take his learning seriously enough that he asked to study without prompting.

    Student's academic performance memory

    I loved watching Jasmine become more confident in herself and her school work and go on to dual enroll at Washtenaw Community College her senior year.

    Vision/Goal for UB

    My goal is to have everyone continue to grow up into individuals with integrity who are not afraid to work hard for what they want.

    Favorite UB component

    I love College Club and watching their eyes light up when they understand something.

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