ACPA-MI 2025 Elections - Candidate Bios
Candidate(s) for President-Elect (3 year term)
Nick Malendowski (He/Him)
Hello! My name is Nick Malendowski (He/Him), and I am interested in serving as the 2025 JEDI Conference Co-Chair. For the last three years, I have served on the Graduate Students and New Professionals Community of Practice (GSNPCoP) in a multitude of roles, including as an ACPA Ambassador, as the Coordinator of Convention Ambassadors, and the Coordinator of Scholarships and Awards. Through these experiences, I have learned about the importance of governance and community within our profession, which led me to joining the ACPA-MI Leadership Team! As the current Member-at-Large, I have been an active member of the organization, serving on the Annual Conference Committee and on the JEDI Conference Committee. Within these roles, I have helped support our assessment efforts, served as a day-of floater and liaison for leadership team members, and currently focusing on the convention experience for the JEDI Conference. Attending the 2024 JEDI Conference was a really exciting time for me. I could learn from different professionals in the state and present on a topic I was passionate about. Being able to serve as the chair for this event would allow me to continue applying JEDI principles to the work I am doing, and encouraging others to learn about JEDI concepts. In whatever area ACPA-MI sees me fit to serve in, I am happy to serve. I have really enjoyed my experiences in ACPA-MI up to this point, and hope to continue in a leadership capacity.
Communications Coordinator (2025-2027)(2 year term)
Rimma Korchmit (she/her/hers)
As a graduate student in Michigan, ACPA has been an integral part of my professional journey, from attending local conferences to connecting with colleagues across institutions. This welcoming community has provided me and many new professionals with invaluable professional development opportunities and resources, fostering collaboration within the state. ACPA-MI’s vision, to be a leader in Michigan by promoting student success, sustainability, and inclusion, deeply resonates with my own values as a student affairs professional. I believe that student success begins with us, the student affairs professionals, who shape and support student experiences within our institutions. To foster these values and vision, I would like to contibute to your professional development and support the work of colleagues at ACPA-MI during these uncertain times as a Communications Coordinator. As a Communications Coordinator, I will enhance ACPA-MI communications strategies and support ACPA-MI communications efforts through marketing to help building a strong network of professionals dedicated to equity and inclusion in higher education.
Gabby Wahla (she/her)
I am a lifelong Michigander, currently working at Michigan State University, where I also did my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I consider myself to be a Student Affairs Generalist, having worked in several functional areas including Recruitment, First Year Success, DEI, Financial Aid, College Access, and Study Abroad. I have been a member of ACPA since 2019, and I feel like it's my time to give back to the organization that has served as my professional home, and in the state that I love!
Social Justice & Inclusion Coordinator (2025-2027)(2 year term)
Leland Harper (He/Him)
I have been involved for several years now, and I think it is about time that I start to put some more of my skills to work for this organization. As a faculty member, I am always interested in learning more about what is going on in the world of student affairs, and I think that bringing the faculty perspective may be a helpful addition.
Member at Large (2025-2027)(2 year term)
Danielle Harris (she/her)
My name is Danielle Harris, and I am eager to serve in ACPA-MI. I have dedicated over 16 years to higher education at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, where I currently serve as the Director of Student Services.
I began my career in dental admissions as an administrative assistant and, over the course of a decade, advanced to the role of Coordinator for Admissions Services. During this time, I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees while refining my expertise in admissions and student support. In 2019, after completing my Master’s in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Learning, I transitioned into student affairs as the Director of Student Services. I am currently pursuing my Ed.D. in Higher Education.
Throughout my career in dental education, I have actively engaged with professional organizations, including attending ACPA meetings, where I have valued the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and collaborate with colleagues who share my passion for student success. I currently serve as Chair-elect for the Section on Student Affairs within the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), allowing me to cultivate a strong network of professionals in admissions and student affairs within dental education.
I am eager to deepen my involvement with ACPA-MI and contribute meaningfully to the community. In recent years, I have served as a resource for new student affairs professionals, providing guidance on onboarding, virtual programming, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and expanding student support services within dental education. Given my experience and dedication to advancing student affairs, I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to ACPA-MI and support the professional growth of our members.
Michael Couch (He/Him/His)
I am excited to express my interest in serving as the Member-at-Large for ACPA-MI. With over a decade of experience in higher education across multiple institutions, I am deeply committed to enhancing student success and supporting professional development for student affairs practitioners. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong focus on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, which aligns closely with ACPA-MI's mission and strategic goals, including advancing the Strategic Imperative for Racial Justice and Decolonization (SIRJD).
My work in enrollment management, financial aid compliance, and student success has equipped me with a solid foundation to contribute effectively to the leadership team. I have extensive experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, facilitating professional development, and ensuring policies and practices meet the evolving needs of students and educators. I am particularly drawn to ACPA-MI's vision of providing accessible resources and fostering inclusive practices across Michigan’s higher education landscape.
I am eager to bring my expertise, passion for service, and commitment to justice to this role. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to ACPA-MI's continued growth and impact.
Jessica Pfeiffer (she/her/hers)
I had the pleasure of serving as 2023 conference co-chair to help revitalize our state chapter after being dormant due to the pandemic. It was a great experience that introduced me to wonderful people involved with this organization at every level and solidified my interest in further involvement. I would love the opportunity to continue to grow our chapter and engage members as the ACPA-MI Member-at-Large!
Claudia Hess (she/her/hers)
I am interested in getting more involved and learning more about what a state chapter can do. My previous institution was not in a state where there was a state chapter. This opportunity to get to know other people within the state who share similar passions and understand what ACPA is and truly means to us means a place to share, learn, and grow together. I am passionate about helping and supporting others. I truly just want to learn more about ACPA, help, and support others. I am organized, great with time management, and always willing to learn. Thank you for this opportunity.
Riley Coffee (He/Him)
I have been a member of ACPA Michigan since my junior year of undergrad. The connections and opportunities this organization offers have been crucial in forming my goals in higher education. With this position, I hope to grow the skills expected of a future education professional while instilling the same drive and passion for higher education that many chapter members gave me.
Have Questions? Email us at michigan@acpa.nche.edu