Center Staff
Dr. William Collins, Director
William (Nick) Collins is currently Executive Director of the Center for Educational Outreach at the University of Michigan. From 1992–2008, he served as Director of U-M’s Comprehensive Studies Program and Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychology. Collins has previously served as Director of the Learning Skills Center at Cornell University and as Staff Psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Collins earned his bachelor’s degree and his PhD in Psychology from the University of Michigan. He is a member of the Association for Psychological Science, the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.
Amy Prevo, Assistant Director
Amy Prevo has over 15 years experience working to increase educational opportunity for underrepresented and underserved students. She served as the Associate Director then Director of the Upward Bound program at Eastern Michigan University and as a Faculty Facilitator in the Learning Assistance Center at Schoolcraft College. Amy earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Olivet College and a master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. She assists in the overall operations of CEO, including the planning, development, and evaluation of CEO programs.
Helki Jackson, Outreach Coordinator
Helki Jackson has a background in education and communications in the arts. Her experience as a youth/family mentor led her to secondary education where she taught in public schools for six years. Prior to joining the CEO, Helki spent four years working with the UM Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT) Players Theatre Program, practicing multicultural teaching through the art of theater. An alumnus of Eastern Michigan University, she has a bachelor’s degree in communications, and has used her educational background and personal experience to create specialized programs for middle and high school students. Helki also facilitates the Performance Outreach Theater Troupe which performs short vignettes to high school students about the stereotypes and myths of diversity and higher education.
Cathy Jenkins Newton, Business Administrator
Cathy Jenkins Newton earned her BA from Concordia University in Business Administration and has been at the U-M since 1990. Prior to joining the CEO, she coordinated student activities, undergraduate admissions and financial aid at the School of Nursing. Cathy manages the financial and human resource matters of the Center; interprets University and Center policies; and develops strategic plans in consultation with the Executive Director and staff.
Marie P. Ting, Program Manager
Marie Ting currently serves as Program Manager for the Center for Education Outreach. Prior to joining the CEO, she worked in Division of Student Affairs at the City University of New York (CUNY). She has also held positions in academic and student affairs at the University of Maryland and the University of Michigan. Marie earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s in higher education from the University of Michigan and a PhD in Higher Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Maryland.
Michael Turner, Outreach Coordinator
Michael Turner has a background in K-12 co-curricular program coordination and facilitation. A native of Detroit, Michigan he attended college at Southern Methodist University where he received his bachelor’s degree in the fine and performing arts. Prior to joining the CEO, he worked on programs serving youth and families in Southwest Detroit. Michael has used his educational background and personal experiences to reach out to youth in every capacity. As an Outreach Coordinator, he assists in the planning, development, and facilitation of CEO programs.