Mr. Woodbridge N. Ferris, our founder, envisioned Ferris as an opportunity institution.
Ferris has a long history of helping young people with limited resources obtain a
top-flight education. We are proud of this history, and now in an intentional way
the University is reaching out to low-income orphans and to young people who have
aged out of foster care systems. This effort, called the Ferris Youth Initiative (FYI),
is also consistent with our founder’s charge that we—the students, faculty, and staff—always
look for ways to “make the world a better place.”
Mission:
To positively impact the lives of youth who have aged out of foster care and low-income
orphans who attend Ferris State University by providing support and learning opportunities
that will promote academic success, character development, and life-enhancing skills.
Goals/Purpose:
- To offer financial assistance to FYI students;
- To provide intentional academic guidance and support services to FYI students leading
to graduation from Ferris State University;
- To help FYI students build character and life skills in preparation for the world
of work;
- To offer learning opportunities that will assist FYI students in engaging with faculty,
staff, and other students;
- To assist FYI students in developing effective coping strategies and self-management
skills that will help improve their self-confidence.
Contact Information:
Leroy Wright
Dean of Student Life/FYI Program Advisor
231/591-2686
wrighl@ferris.edu
Krissy Workman
Financial Aid Coordinator and FYI Scholarship Advisor
231/591-2034
workmak4@gferris.edu
Nicholas Campau
Student Life/FYI Community Relations Advisor
231/591-2088
camp58@ferris.edu
Charlotte Tetsworth
Admissions/FYI Community Relations Advisor
231/591-3932
tetsworc@ferris.edu
David Pilgrim
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
231-591-3946
pilgrimd@ferris.edu
