EMU Today

YPSILANTI --  The latest episode of EMU Today TV provides an inside look at Eastern Michigan University’s transformational on-campus housing project, “Welcome Home 2025.” The episode also profiles a new EMU academic program designed to help incarcerated women receive bachelor’s degrees.  

Segment one features Jeanette Zalba, director of housing and residence life at Eastern Michigan University. Zalba gives viewers an inside look at the massive revitalization of housing on Eastern’s campus. The project includes the renovation of nearly all on-campus housing as well as the construction of two entirely new apartment-style residence halls. Renovated units, three of which will open this fall (2023) will have air conditioning, expanded WiFi, new flooring and fixtures throughout. The new residence halls, Lakeview and Westview, feature apartment-style living with studio, two- and four-bedroom units, with common living and dining areas. 

The second segment features Meghan Lechner, the University’s new director of the College in Prison program. Lechner is overseeing the launch of the University’s new bachelor’s program at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, which is the first program of its kind at a women’s prison in Michigan. Data show there is a 43% reduction in recidivism rates for individuals who participate in prison education programs. Lechner discusses how the program boosts the self-esteem of incarcerated women, and prepares them for greater employment opportunities and higher earnings once they are released. 

Entering its seventh season this fall, EMU Today TV, produced by the University’s Division of Communications, highlights positive programs, events and initiatives at Eastern.

Mark S. Lee is the host of EMU Today TV. Lee is an Eastern Michigan University alumnus and part-time lecturer of marketing at Eastern. He is the host of the podcast, "In the Conference Room", and is featured in a weekly business segment, "Strictly Business", on CBS News Detroit. Lee also is a frequent contributor to various Detroit-area media outlets on business topics. 

This episode, and previous editions can be viewed on the University's YouTube channel.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.