Local education leader inspires students in his district to attend college

Ty Weeks with a group of students from Dearborn Heights School District No. 7 at the Explore Eastern event.
Ty Weeks, far left, with a group of students from Dearborn Heights School District No. 7 at the 10th Explore Eastern event.

YPSILANTI – As a three-time Eastern Michigan University alumni, Ty Weeks, superintendent of Dearborn Heights School District No. 7, knows firsthand the impact a college education can have on students, especially first-generation college students. Weeks also realizes the importance of exposing students to the college atmosphere early, so it helps with the decision-making process.

Now in its 10th year, Explore Eastern is an admissions event that has touched thousands of prospective undergraduate students. “Students get the opportunity to hear from faculty, campus partners, and even our academic deans all in one place,” said Misty Sparrow, associate director of Admissions & Events at Eastern. According to Sparrow, the high-energy day aims to make connections and inspire students to apply to Eastern.

Weeks, who attended Explore Eastern with students from Dearborn Heights School District No. 7, credits the University for challenging him to become the best version of himself academically and intellectually. “My experiences on campus helped to shape my identity as an educator, but more importantly as a father, husband, and community member,” said Weeks. “The students that attend Dearborn Heights School District No. 7 come from a community that is impacted by factors that in many ways are similar to those I experienced as a kid growing up in Detroit.”  

Joseph Gerou, a junior at Annapolis High School who attended Explore Eastern, said the event was a nice experience to learn about various careers in one room. “I’m interested in engineering and ROTC and heard EMU has a good program for both,” he said.

“I hope that the students following the campus visit can see themselves represented by the current EMU students and the faculty there as well,” said Weeks. “Visualization and identification can be helpful tools during the college application process,” he added.

 “It was nice learning about the different majors,” said Grace Gerou. “Eastern has a nice campus, and I have options if I want to go here in the future.”

 To learn more about future dates for Explore Eastern, visit its webpage. For more information about EMU’s Admissions office, call (734) 487.6453 or visit its webpage

 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.

November 09, 2022

Written by:
Melissa Thrasher

Media Contact:
Melissa Thrasher
mthrashe@emich.edu
734-487-4401