Malitta Dillard, a master’s student in the higher education and student affairs program at Western Michigan University, received the Michigan College Access Network’s Ombudsman Award on Dec. 5 for her work guiding Taylor High School students through the college application process.
Dillard was recognized for her efforts to help high schoolers explore postsecondary options and secure scholarships. The award highlights the importance of support programs that help students prepare for higher education opportunities.
During her two years with AdviseMI, an AmeriCorps program, Dillard conducted over 400 individual sessions and assisted more than 200 students with their college applications at Taylor High School. She also helped her first graduating class earn nearly $3 million in scholarships. Her nominator said she built partnerships with local businesses to motivate students and shared best practices with other advisors.
“I was shocked in the best way,” Dillard said. “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.”
Dillard explained that her background in psychology influenced her approach: “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 graduate studies, Dillard serves as a graduate assistant in the Office of the President at Western Michigan University (WMU), continuing to support fellow students under WMU’s motto: “So that all may learn.” She credited WMU for its encouragement during her academic journey: “WMU really gave me the space to even think about going back for my master’s again—and that’s huge,” she said. “The support and encouragement, especially from Dr. Ramona Lewis, reminded me that I’m capable and that I belong in this space.”
Western Michigan University enrolls more than 17,000 students according to its official website. The university fields 16 Division I varsity sports as part of the Mid-American Conference according to its official website, supports inclusive excellence according to its official website, promotes sustainability through LEED-certified buildings according to its official website, has earned top-100 rankings nationally for several graduate programs according to its official website, and emphasizes learner-focused education according to its official website.
“Watching how deeply higher education professionals impact students made me realize this is exactly where I’m supposed to be,” Dillard said. “WMU helped light that fire back up, and now I’m running with it!”
