Jake Ormond

Continuing Student

Current student and All-Arizona scholar works toward success

EMCC student Jake Ormond is a 2017 recipient of the All-Arizona Academic Team scholarship. As a hard-working scholar, he has long been following a path to success while also striking balance between school, work and life. In addition to his studies, Ormond works on campus as the administrative assistant to the dean of students. His perseverance has paid off. Scheduled to graduate in May 2017 with his associate degree in business, he will utilize his new scholarship to attend Arizona State University next fall to study public service and public policy.

Ormond has always seen the value in not only acquiring a great education but also in immersing himself in groups that help serve communities both on and off campus. While enrolled at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise, Ariz., Ormond was involved in a variety of groups, including Key Club and the school’s leadership council. His engagement in the former group led him to becoming a Kiwanis member; the organization is behind some of the largest youth service programs in the world. He also volunteered at his school’s bookstore which he says gave him an opportunity to interact with students and faculty, as well as learn the facets of that business. March of Dimes, National Youth Council, and Future Business Leaders of America are some of the other groups with which Ormond has been involved.

He chose EMCC for a variety of reasons – from financial benefits of community college to convenience of the location – but ended up being thrilled by the personal attention he received on the campus. “After extensive consideration, the community college had so many more advantages to offer such as smaller class sizes, being close to home, and the opportunity for stronger bonds between students and faculty,” he said. “Looking back on it, I know I would not be the same person if I had made a different decision.”

Ormond’s penchant for understanding organizational structures was fulfilled when he previously worked in the president’s office on campus, as well as in his current position. That interest in administration, along with his work experience, helped shape his career path. Originally planning to study medicine, he discovered that a career in healthcare administration would be satisfying and a great fit for his different skills and interests. “I would like to be a part of shaping the policies that impact health processes,” he said. He hopes that in his future career endeavors, he can work to help make patient experiences better.

Ormond says his experiences at EMCC were made event better by the faculty and staff members. He said they are “amazing and completely dedicated to student success. Having wonderful mentors and getting that one-to-one time gave me a great advantage. Estrella is an outstanding institution.”