Firelands names Amy McKinley a distinguished alumna

Amy L. McKinley of Huron received BGSU Firelands’ 16th annual Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award at the college's commencement ceremonies May 6.

McKinley received her associate degree in respiratory care technology from Firelands in 1989. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from BGSU in 1992 and 1999, respectively.

Today she is the manager of academic advising at Firelands and is responsible for the leadership, coordination, innovation and implementation for academic advising and student services for all its students.

She began her career at Firelands in 1989 as a student worker in the Office of Academic/Student Services. She began working with the Humanistic Education Learning Process program in 1992 and was named an instructor/tutor for the HELP program in 1994.

During her academic career at Firelands, McKinley was named to the Society of the Flame, the college’s most prestigious honor society. To be a member, a student must have demonstrated a consistent leadership role among fellow students and the college community.

The Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award is presented annually to a former Firelands student who has completed at least 24 semester (or 36 quarter) hours at Firelands, earned an associate or bachelor's degree, demonstrated achievement in his or her profession or vocation and demonstrated community service. Preference is given to nominees who have demonstrated a form of service or commitment to the college after completing their studies at Firelands.

“Amy is totally dedicated to providing superior customer service,” said Dean James Smith. “She consistently goes above and beyond her job duties to provide exceptional, personalized service to over 1,900 traditional and non-traditional students. As an alumna and former student worker who has earned three degrees from BGSU, she understands student needs and will work tirelessly to answer student questions and resolve student problems.”