The Wayne State University College of Education recently welcomed Eric Reed, its first-ever director of student success. With a background rooted in higher education and a passion for helping students navigate their way through college, he brings fresh energy and a student-focused mindset to his new role. 

According to Reed, his journey into student success started when he earned a partial scholarship to Central Michigan University. The award came with a support system that helped him get through his first year. 

“I had a rough start,” he recalled. “Mentors in that program helped me get back on track.”  

A few months before graduation, Reed, a health administration major, mentioned that he was considering graduate studies to Kevin Williams, who was director of admissions.   

“Kevin suggested I talk to someone about fellowships,” he said. “I visited the office, submitted an application and received an award that required me to work in higher education or teach.” 

Reed was a research associate and served in roles supporting admissions and student recruitment while working on his master’s in public administration. During the last 14 years, he worked at Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College, coordinating programs that helped high school students transition to college, developing initiatives to increase enrollment and retention, and improving access to college and equity in degree completion. Along the way, Reed earned his doctorate in educational leadership.  

Now he’s ready to make an impact at Wayne State. According to Reed, the key to student success is engagement.  

“Wayne State has a lot of commuter students, and that means we have to be creative,” he said. “We can’t schedule workshops every other day and expect students who are juggling jobs, kids, classes and other commitments to show up.”  

Reed is focused on finding innovative ways to connect students to programs, resources and services that fit into their lives. He believes mentoring and building strong relationships with advisors are particularly important.  

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have people guiding me along the way,” he emphasized. “I want to ensure Wayne State students have that same kind of support.” 

Reed is reviewing policies and benchmarking the college’s practices against those of other schools and colleges and institutions, with the goal of improving student engagement, completion rates and satisfaction.   

“There is a student success plan, and I’m working on an action plan to make sure we’re bringing it to life,” he said. “Establishing a Student Success Center, fully staffing the advising team and creating a more vibrant community centered on student engagement are all on my immediate to-do list.” 

A proud Detroiter and father, Reed is raising a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son with his wife, a school social worker. When not working, he enjoys listening to live music, working out and taking long drives. Reed is also a loyal fan of Detroit’s sports teams. 

“I’m rolling with the Lions,” he said with a grin. “We almost booked a hotel in New Orleans for the Super Bowl.” 

When asked what advice he would give students for being successful, Reed kept it simple, emphasizing the importance of finding others who will provide encouragement, support and direction. 

“Find your support system, connect with mentors and don’t go on the journey alone,” he said. “There will be roadblocks but trust the professionals at Wayne to help you get through them.” 

by Chastity Savage 

Faculty spotlight

• Eric Reed