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 the 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 doctorate 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.
Emily Flinkstrom, Program Coordinator
Emily Flinkstrom earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Vermont. She then dedicated two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA serving individuals with developmental disabilities in Salt Lake City, Utah. She continued her passion for helping people by completing a master's degree in social work at Colorado State University. Emily has also worked with the University of Michigan's Blavin Scholars program supporting U-M students formerly in foster care. As a program coordinator, Emily assists with the Michigan College Advising Corps.
Deb Galbreath, Administrative Assistant
Debra Galbreath joins the CEO with a combined 18+ years administrative support experience. Prior to joining the CEO, Deb worked at Saline High School (Saline, MI) and Knox Presbyterian Church (Ann Arbor). After receiving an associate’s degree in radiology technology from Washtenaw Community College, Debra began her career in health services at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (Ann Arbor) working as a staff technologist in the Radiology, Emergency Room, and Radiation Therapy departments.
Helki Jackson, Outreach Coordinator
Helki Jackson has a background in education and communication in the arts. Her experience as a youth and family mentor led her to secondary education where she taught in public schools for six years. Prior to joining the CEO as Outreach Coordinator, Helki spent four years working with the U-M 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 youth. Helki is also the Writer and Director of CEO's Real On College (ROC) Theatre Troupe which performs short sketches for middle school and high school students about the challenges, issues, and importance of higher education.
Cathy Jenkins Newton, Business Administrator
Cathy Jenkins Newton earned her bachelor's degree from Concordia University in business administration. She has worked in academic settings for over 20 years at institutions including the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Oakwood University. Cathy began working at the U-M in 1990 serving as office coordinator for the Dermatology - Clinical Pharmacology Unit. Cathy has also worked in the School of Nursing where she coordinated student activities, financial aid and undergraduate admissions for the transfer and second career programs.
Christopher Rutherford, Program Manager
Christopher Rutherford has dedicated over 15 years in Southeastern Michigan helping young people from all communities obtain higher education. Chris has served as a Teacher in the Detroit Public Schools, Associate Director of the Upward Bound Program at Eastern Michigan University and most recently as Manager of Project Graduation at the Detroit Parent Network. He has also worked as a consultant with numerous school districts, schools and community agencies providing professional development and workshops on creating culturally relevant programs and curriculum for parents and youth in underserved communities. A graduate of Wayne State University, Chris is continuing his graduate studies at Eastern Michigan University in social foundations of education. He currently serves as President of the board for Broadside Press, the nation’s oldest African American owned Publisher of African American Poetry and writings where he has assisted in the development of the Young Writers Institute, and the Broadside Press Institute of Cultural Studies.
Marie P. Ting, Program Manager
Marie Ting currently serves as Program Manager for the Center for Educational Outreach. Prior to joining the CEO, she served as University Director of Student Affairs and Special Programs 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 doctorate in higher education policy and leadership from the University of Maryland.
Cortney Totty, Outreach Coordinator
Cortney Totty joins the Center for Educational Outreach with a learning specialist background and more than five years of experience coordinating programs. Her work helping underserved populations overcome developmental issues related to identity, intellectual and emotional competencies have helped many students continue their studies beyond high school.
A Detroit native, Cortney is an alumnus of Eastern Michigan University, where she earned both a bachelor's of business administration and a master's degree in educational leadership with a concentration in higher education/student affairs. As an Outreach Coordinator for the CEO, she will continue to provide academic, cultural, and leadership opportunities to promote student advancement.
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 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.