Courtney Arnold didn’t originally plan on working in education, but once she stepped into the world of student support, it was clear she was exactly where she was meant to be. With a background in pharmacy, a love for animals and music, and a deep passion for helping others, Courtney brings a unique energy to Ross.
Her journey at Ross has taken her through multiple departments, given her space to grow, and connected her with students in meaningful and lasting ways. In this interview, she opens up about her path to Ross, the lessons she’s learned, and some of her most memorable moments.
Here is what she had to say:
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I’m a big fan of outdoor adventures, especially if my dog can come along! I have a deep appreciation for all animals and a real passion for learning new things. I am also a huge music nerd, anything from rock to r&b to musicals and opera even, I love it! What truly energizes me is helping people work through challenges and achieve positive changes in their lives – it’s incredibly rewarding.
What brought you to Ross? Was healthcare always your intended path, or did this field find you?
What brought me to Ross was actually a friend who worked here! I was working as a Certified Pharmacy Technician at the time and had a friend working in the admissions team who was seeking an admissions representative to start and knew that I would be a great fit, she called me up and told me I had to apply. I’m very glad she did.
How would you describe your time at Ross so far? Are there any memorable moments?
My experience at Ross has been genuinely amazing. It definitely came with its challenges, but I truly believe each one helped me develop resilience and grow both as an individual and in my professional capabilities. While every day has its unique moments, the absolute highlight each year is always graduation. It’s so fulfilling to see all the individuals you’ve supported, who have transformed their careers, gathered in one room celebrating such a significant achievement with their loved ones. That’s what it’s all about for me.
Were there any mentors, colleagues, or role models who influenced your journey?
My experience at Ross has been enriched by the opportunity to work in various departments, enabling me to gain a holistic understanding of our organization and learn from a wide array of individuals. Early in my career, Bria Patton and Shibu Thomas in admissions were pivotal in guiding my initial steps. More recently, during my transition to operations, Jen Sabo and our campus Director, Melissa Starkey, were incredibly supportive. The ability to seek out their diverse insights and support has been critical to my growth, and I believe it significantly enhances the level of support we provide to our students.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned in your career so far?
If I had to pinpoint the most valuable lessons from my career so far, two come immediately to mind. The first is the importance of truly listening. In my work supporting students, I’ve learned that rather than assuming what they need, the greatest support comes from simply allowing them to lead the conversation and tell me how they need to be helped. It’s about empowering their voice. The second, equally critical lesson, is the necessity of constant reflection and a dedication to lifelong learning. Every experience offers an opportunity to grow, and recognizing that we always have areas to refine and improve upon keeps us evolving, both professionally and personally.
What advice would you offer to students who want to follow a similar career path?
My top advice to students considering a similar career path would be this: don’t be afraid to ask questions and always be open to trying new things. My own journey into pharmacy tech began simply by asking the pharmacist at my retail job what steps I’d need to take. Within a week, I was immersed in training at another store.
After nine years with that company, the leap to Ross felt daunting – starting somewhere new with an unknown culture was intimidating. However, I truly believe that growth only happens outside your comfort zone, and the only real failure is not trying at all. So, be proactive, embrace new challenges, and trust in your ability to adapt.
What accomplishments or milestones are you most proud of?
Among my proudest accomplishments, receiving the Student Services Excellence Award this year certainly stands out. What makes it even more meaningful is that our campus was also recognized as Campus of the Year. It’s incredibly rewarding to have my dedication to our students acknowledged, and equally so to see our entire staff and faculty receive recognition.
It truly takes a collaborative effort, with everyone contributing their unique talents, to holistically support our students. We’re committed to helping any student, any time, and I’m immensely proud of the exceptional team we have here and the impactful way we serve our students.
What strategies or habits have helped you maintain strong campus performance?
Maintaining strong campus performance primarily hinges on cultivating robust partnerships and ensuring seamless communication. My collaboration with our academic director has been absolutely instrumental. By staying fully in sync on student progress, we ensure that instructors and all members of the student support team are also consistently informed. This shared understanding allows us to offer more comprehensive support, addressing both academic and personal needs proactively.
Another key strategy is making sure students have easy, consistent access to their support network. This includes online faculty and career services. We achieve this through clear signage around campus and by providing regular reminders within their modules, ensuring they always know where to turn for assistance.
How do you stay motivated and keep your team inspired?
My primary motivation comes from our students. They place immense trust in me and our organization to help them achieve a truly significant life goal, and that responsibility is something I take very seriously. This deep trust fuels my commitment to doing my absolute best for them, which includes ensuring that both the students themselves and their broader support systems are served.
As for keeping the team inspired, it’s largely a cycle of mutual inspiration. The sheer dedication exhibited by our faculty toward student success is incredibly infectious. Their commitment continually motivates me, and together, that collective passion for making a difference keeps us all focused and energized.
How do you build a positive culture and sense of community on campus?
Building a truly positive culture and a strong sense of community at Kentwood is central to our campus life. We firmly believe in the fundamental right of every individual to be on campus and to be treated with unwavering respect. Our approach is simple yet powerful: we strive to make sure every single person who steps through our doors feels genuinely welcomed and receives our utmost support. Beyond that, we wholeheartedly embrace the idea of making the everyday great; since we’re all here daily, we actively infuse our environment with fun and positive energy, ensuring a vibrant and enjoyable experience for everyone.
What goals do you have for your campus or your professional growth in the next year?
In the coming year, my primary campus goal is to continue expanding our population, building on the momentum from recent renovations and the successful addition of our second MA clinic. Professionally, my commitment lies in continuous self-improvement, learning, and finding innovative ways to support our students. This includes identifying emerging needs and filling them, such as my upcoming session on financial literacy and the basics of credit. By consistently growing my own capabilities, I aim to provide the best possible guidance and resources, ensuring our students are well-equipped for their future. My biggest professional aim is to keep finding and filling these crucial gaps to further empower our students.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about working in education or healthcare training?
What often gets overlooked in healthcare training is the incredible blend of skills required beyond pure medical knowledge. It’s a field that demands constant adaptation, but equally vital are qualities like empathy, strategic mentorship, and strong communication. We’re tasked with building competence alongside character, supporting students through intense emotional labor, and equipping them with the practical and interpersonal skills to not just perform tasks, but to genuinely care for patients. It’s this continuous fusion of academic rigor with human connection that truly defines our work and it is so immensely rewarding!
Share a random fun fact about you!
A fun fact about me is that I lived in France for a summer during high school – an amazing experience that I actually funded entirely myself! As the oldest of five, with a younger brother who endured three heart surgeries before he was 18 months old, our family faced significant expenses. This journey with his health, and my independent effort to travel, truly ignited my passion for healthcare and helping others, shaping the path I’m on today.
Courtney’s story is proof that when you lead with compassion, stay open to learning, and truly listen, you can make a real impact. Whether she’s cheering students on at graduation, collaborating with her team to problem-solve, or creating new ways to support campus life, she brings thoughtfulness and intention to every part of her role.