Baker College of Jackson honors technical 'program champions'

JACKSON, Mich. – Baker College of Jackson officials have announced Jacob Layher as the student recipient of the 2014 Program Champion Scholarship and have designated faculty member William Sherwood, D.B.A., as this year’s Program Champion.

“Both Jacob and Bill have contributed greatly to enhancing Baker College’s reputation as a provider of high quality technical education,” said Patricia A. Kaufman, Ed.D., Baker College of Jackson president. “Jacob’s leadership was invaluable to our state championship cyber defense team for which Bill served as an advisor.”

Kaufman praised Sherwood for his recent work as program director for technology. He developed the requirements for the new CNC certificate and advanced manufacturing associate degree programs that will launch 2014 fall quarter as well as established the campus’ new manufacturing and computer networking labs.

Sherwood has nearly 20 years of experience in manufacturing and information technology (IT). He earned three degrees from Baker College: a bachelor’s in business leadership, an MBA in information systems, and a doctorate in business administration.

As Program Champion, Sherwood had the honor of selecting the student to receive the $1,000 Program Champion scholarship.

“It was rewarding to watch Jacob excel as a team leader on the cyber defense team,” said Sherwood. “He is incredibly driven to succeed, is always willing to help others, and is most deserving of this recognition.”

Jacob Layher, Jackson, is earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology and security with a concentration in cyber defense and has a 3.86 GPA. He expects to graduate in 2016.

Layher is the Linux lead for the cyber defense team and helped the Baker College of Jackson team win the state championship this year. He is also involved in two important volunteer endeavors at Baker College. He helps meet the IT needs for the Enterprise Project, a collaboration between Baker College and the Enterprise Group of Jackson to create an incubator for high-tech, startup businesses. Layher is involved with Baker’s freshman mentor program, too, working with students, faculty and staff to improve the first-year student experience.

“To be acknowledged and receive this scholarship for simply doing what I love is an incredible feeling,” said Layher. “I am extremely grateful and am even more excited to continue to put in the hard work and dedication to successfully complete my degree and begin my career.”

Technology programs offered at the Jackson campus include bachelor’s degrees in computer science, cyber defense, information systems, information technology and security, database technology and mechanical engineering. Associate degree programs include computer programming, computer networking technology with Cisco and Microsoft options, cyber security, IT support specialist, Linux/Unix systems technology and VMware certified professional.

For more information about Baker College of Jackson, contact Kevin Pnacek in the admissions office at 517.788.7800 or Kevin.Pnacek@baker.edu.

The largest private college in Michigan, Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It is a nonprofit higher education institution, serving more than 35,000 students on 12 campuses and in three satellite locations. Baker grants certificates and associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business, health sciences, education and human services, and various technical fields, as well as a doctorate of business administration. As a career college, the Baker College system is pleased to report that 97 percent of its available graduates are employed. For more information about Baker College, please check out our website at www.baker.edu.