This edition of Spotlight features Morgan Pray, who graduated from Baker College with an associate degree in Human Services and has returned for her bachelor’s in Business Administration.
Welcome to Baker College’s Spotlight feature, a series of brief interviews with notable Baker College students, faculty and alumni who are making news and reaching new heights in their educational and professional pursuits.
This edition of Spotlight features Morgan Pray, who graduated from Baker College of Owosso in 2017 with an associate of Applied Science in Human Services, and where she is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration through Baker’s accelerated bachelor’s program.
Recently, Morgan was promoted to assistant branch manager at LAFCU in Lansing, Mich., where she now oversees branch operations, including teller and lending functions and has staff supervisory responsibilities. Additionally, Morgan was noted by her employer for her pivotal role as, “a key leader in restructuring service to protect members and employees” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Baker College (BC): You completed your associate degree at Baker College, and have returned now to pursue your bachelor’s degree. Why did you choose BC for your higher education pursuits?
Morgan Pray (MP): I chose Baker because it is a college close to home. They also offer a wide range of programs online, which allows me to attend a program that fits my lifestyle.
BC: You were recently promoted to the role of assistant branch manager at LAFCU. What were your career goals when you enrolled at BC? How do they compare to where you are today?
MP: My career goal, when I first enrolled at Baker, was to complete a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. I wanted to positively impact the lives of those suffering from violence and substance abuse. However, my current focus is to positively impact my staff and to assist them in achieving their personal and professional goals. Although my current career goal is different from where I started, it has the same underlining emphasis on the importance of people helping people.
BC: What do you like best about your job/career path?
MP: What I really love best about my job is that it allows me to strive for knowledge, tackle new challenges and take on new tasks. I love working for a credit union because it allows me to positively impact individuals by providing and empowering them with financial knowledge.
BC: How do you feel your time at Baker College has contributed to your professional success?
MP: Baker contributed most to my success by giving me the building blocks and confidence I needed to really break out of my shell.
BC: What best piece of advice would you share with current college students?
MP: I would say my best piece of advice is to keep going…even if your path is unclear.
BC: What would you want others to know about Baker College?
MP: Baker College wants to see you succeed. They are very accommodating and relatable. Even though they are a private college, they are also a people college.