BAKER COLLEGE OF JACKSON AWARDS ED KURTZ SCHOLARSHIP TO CHAD OTTNEY

JACKSON, Mich. – Baker College of Jackson officials have announced Chad Ottney as recipient of the 2014 Ed Kurtz Leadership Scholarship award.

Ottney, a resident of Jackson, received the $2,500 scholarship that is awarded to a Baker College student who demonstrates academic achievement and either a commitment to community service or a successful balance of work, family and school obligations.

"Chad’s dedication and focus to achieving his educational goals is impressive, especially considering his work and personal responsibilities," said Patricia A. Kaufman, Ed.D., Baker College of Jackson president. " We are very pleased to present the 2014 Ed Kurtz scholarship to Chad this year."

Despite working 50 to 70 hours a week as supervisor at a machining company, Ottney recently completed an associate degree in architectural/construction technology with a 3.39 GPA. He is continuing to take classes for a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

In addition to his school and work responsibilities, Ottney is the custodian for his niece, whom he has taken care of for 15 years.

Baker College established this scholarship in 2004 in honor of Ed Kurtz, retired president and CEO of Baker College. Kurtz, a dynamic leader whose vocabulary does not include the word “impossible,” exhibited extraordinary service to his neighbors, friends and community throughout his 34 years at Baker College.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a nonprofit higher education institution, serving more than 35,000 students on 12 campuses and in three satellite locations. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, health sciences, education and human services, and various technical fields, as well as a doctorate of business administration. As a career college, the Baker College system is pleased to report that 97 percent of its available graduates are employed. For more information about Baker College, please check out our website at www.baker.edu.

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