Name
Joseph A. Backus
Education / Experience
Wayne State University: Masters in Educational Leadership; Bachelor's of Science in Education Majors: Mathematics, Science and English; Macomb Community College, 2 Associate Degrees. High School Teacher for 32 years and counting.
Phone
586-344-0116
In Nov. 2024, I received over 111,000 votes countywide for MCC Board of Trustees. I was runner-up. I have a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. I’ve been a teacher of science, math, and English for 32 yrs. I have been involved in the growth of high school students to move forward in education and job skills. I have experience working in Adult and GED Education. I’ve worked with education budgets, grants, donations, and activities. I’ve been involved in many community activities and volunteer work over my lifetime. In July 2026, the Detroit News described me as a prolific community volunteer. I am 62 yrs old and a father of 2 children. I have 2 associate degrees from MCC. My Bachelor in Education and Master degrees are from Wayne State University. I’ve lived 55 yrs of my life in Macomb County primarily in St. Clair Shores and Roseville, and been working in Eastpointe for the last 20 yrs. I’ve been an elected precinct delegate for 36+ yrs. I asked for one of your 3 allowed votes
I am focused on: 1) Reducing costs for students with lowering tuition rates down to $75 per credit hour (NOT the current over $110 per credit hour), and ALWAYS free parking. 2) Improve on-time graduation rates. 3) Preserving face to face instruction availability. 5) Safe Schools training. 6) Support programs for police, fire, and agricultural education. 7) Support CTE programs for careers such as electrical, plumbing, emergency tech/paramedic and criminal justice preparatory training. 8) Expand opportunities like dual enrollment and helping GED holders get a startup to higher education. My opinions and ideas on educational and other issues have been published in newspapers across the State of Michigan for over 38 years.
Cost is THE issue. Costs everywhere are too high, and we are all tired of it. MCC DOES NOT NEED to increase costs. I support the reduction of tuition from over $110 per credit hour down to $75 per credit hour. I support that parking is ALWAYS free at MCC. I support that students have the right to purchase materials and textbooks from wherever they choose. The Michigan Retailers Association found me to be a Friend of Retail this past primary election when I ran for State Senator District 12. I support that all students be treated with dignity and respect so they can reach their educational and career goals. I support that all staff members are treated with dignity and respect; If you take care of your own, your own will take care of you. Our job is to help our communities. I ask for 1 of your 3 allowable votes; Vote for Joseph A. Backus for MCC Board of Trustees. Thank you, Joe.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Name
Dwayne Anthony Haywood
Education / Experience
BS and Master's of Public Administration. Over 30 years of managing multiple complex organizations.
Phone
313-518-7371
With deep expertise leading large public organizations, for 33 years, I was a servant leader across Michigan's state and county
human-services systems, retiring as a senior director. million.
My specialization is managing large matrix organizations to deliver best-in-class results through enhanced technology and
clear expectations to accomplish the life-changing mission of delivering quality benefits to Michigan residents. My candidacy is
based on a fundamental belief we should use all the tools at our disposal to deliver the best outcomes for the tax dollars spent
to improve the conditions and lives of our residents.
That experience, combined with a commitment to our community and expanding post-graduation opportunities for students,
is exactly what MCC's board needs.
The main reason: Continue to move Macomb Community College forward, building a strong foundation for success, now and into the future.
In addition: We must keep our focus on the needs of every resident seeking an opportunity to attend College, by:
• Keeping MCC affordable, so cost never decides who gets to attend;
• Building real pathways between MCC and Macomb's small, medium and large employers, so a degree here leads directly
to a job here; and
• Evolving the college to embrace innovation and new technology, including AI-preparing students for jobs being created, not the ones being phased out.
Funding! I believe we must always keep our sights on the affordability issue. This includes going after every federal, state and local resource available to keep the cost of attending college is within reach. Expand the partnerships with small, medium and large company's to expand the workforce with skills. Continue to monitor the budget and be ready to make adjustments if needed. of course , I would work with my colleagues and the administration to make the adjustment that will have minimum impact to the students and employees.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Name
Ronald P. Papa
Education / Experience
Macomb Township Trustee (2024 – Present), Adjunct Professor at Oakland University Ph.D. in Information Systems Management, U.S. Army and Michigan National Guard – Veteran of the Gulf War
Phone
586-484-7879
I am a Macomb Community College alumnus with a Ph.D. in Management Information Systems and a Master’s degree in Finance. I currently serve as an adjunct professor at Oakland University, a Technical Product Manager at Stellantis, and an elected Macomb Township Trustee. My professional background includes more than 25 years of experience in information technology, project management, and organizational leadership. These experiences provide me with a unique perspective on higher education, financial oversight, workforce development, and public service. As an MCC Trustee, I would draw upon my academic and professional experience, along with my relationships with local businesses, schools, and government leaders, to help keep the college affordable, prepare students for successful careers, ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and strengthen MCC's connection to the community it serves.
As a Macomb Community College alumnus, I understand firsthand the opportunities a community college can provide. My experience as a university professor and Macomb Township Trustee has strengthened my commitment to education, public service, and fiscal responsibility. I'm running because I want to give back to the college that helped shape my future.
My priorities are keeping MCC affordable and preparing students for successful careers in a rapidly evolving workforce. With artificial intelligence transforming many professions and growing opportunities in skilled trades, our educational programs must continue adapting to meet tomorrow's needs. I also want to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community leaders while ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
I believe MCC faces three important challenges: maintaining affordability, preparing students for a rapidly changing workforce, and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars. As AI transforms industries and demand for skilled trades evolves, MCC must continually evaluate its programs to ensure students gain the skills employers need. If elected, I would support partnerships with local businesses, schools, and government leaders to expand career opportunities and strengthen workforce development. Drawing on my experience in higher education, business, finance, and local government, I would also emphasize careful budget oversight, accessible tuition, and investments that deliver meaningful value to students and Macomb County taxpayers.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Name
Richard D. Shaffer
Education / Experience
Macomb Community and Baker Colleges - Business Curculum
Phone
586-201-4775
Having overseen multiple companies for the last 20-years, and focusing on leadership skills and principles. I will bring responsible stewardship to the position through sound budgeting and responsible use of resources, while keeping education affordable.
On many multiple levels there has been talk about bringing skilled trades education back into public schools, and I feel the conversation has to include community colleges. Through my affiliation with the Electrical Industry and the Building Trades, I'd like to help generate dialogue between the proper individuals to make this type of education available to Macomb Community College students, and the course work is made affordable to them all.
An internet search identified that student financial and basic needs, free speech and administrative policy concerns, and instructional consistency. These specific issues are of concern:
1) In today's economic climate, affordability is a concern
2) Reviews on certain platforms like indicate mixed student experiences, with some students noting challenges regarding unresponsive or unprofessional instructor performance.
3) Organizations have raised concerns regarding Macomb Community College's restrictive speech policies and an administration-issued student civility statement that critics argue potentially suppresses student expression
I promise to work with the other Trustees to verify these conditions and work with the team to resolve them so future searches paint a different picture.
Name
Shelley Vitale
Education / Experience
Eastern Michigan University - BFA, Henry Ford Community College, various classes at Center for Creative Studies, Wayne State and Macomb Community College
Phone
586-718-6897
I have lived in Macomb Township since 1988. My three daughters and my husband have attended Macomb Community College (and loved it). My husband was an adjunct teacher. I have taken classes there. MCC is a center for most families in this area for educational, work training, cultural and leisure pursuits. As a teacher and mother I have first hand experience in understanding how important education is for all people in our community, country and world.
Every year there are changes that impact our students and citizens. Students today need an education that is relevant and stimulating. Students also need mentors and teachers that provide a real-life experience and human contact. Student also need the basics so they are well-versed in an education that will give them the confidence they need to work in a competitive world. The workings of the college itself should be streamlined to be accessible and not cumbersome. Belonging, self-pride and acceptance are things MCC can provide in an increasingly impersonal world.
Keeping up with the changes and challenges of society. Right now there is cyber-protection, and AI, but also, keeping the programs relevant to, not only the job market, but the emotional and intellectual needs of each student. We have a beautiful campus and I want to see students there, enjoying the state-of-the-art facilities, top-notch educators and interacting with their fellow students.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
