About MSU College Advising Corps

As a first-generation college student, Manuel Rivera understands the importance of a college education. As an alum of Michigan State University, Manuel has an extensive 25 years in education (elementary, secondary, and postsecondary), having been a college recruiter, academic adviser, career counselor, faculty, and college administrator to name a few. He is an accomplished grant writer ($23 million awarded) and has served on several non-profit Boards; most notably ICHANGE as the Board President. Before coming back to MSU, he was the Detroit AmeriCorps Youth Success Program Director, a program designed to address and reduce the high chronic absenteeism rate for at-risk youth in grades 1st-8th in Detroit schools. His work with the Urban Neighborhood Initiatives organization led him to success with federal AmeriCorps programs (successfully writing and being awarded a competitive federal grant; an unheard of accomplishment for a program only 3 years old). His experience working with YMCA’s has assisted in his understanding and mastery of building program supports and services from the start of a child’s education and extending into their college education. Manuel holds a Bachelor of Professional Communications from Siena Heights University and a Master’s in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University. In his free time, Manuel enjoys traveling internationally, spending time with family and friends, and just being as awesome as he can be 😊

Pam Kuffer has more than 20 years of experience managing day to day office operations and providing executive level support to management and colleagues. Prior to joining the MSUCAC team, Pam led the office operations for a local orthopedic distributor where she handled all logistics, payroll and planned numerous client and staff events. She’s held various positions on local Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO) and was a scout leader for both Girl and Boy scouts. Pam began her career as a kindergarten teacher in the Houghton Lake Public Schools and continued to work with children as a preschool teacher at The Peoples Church in East Lansing. Pam has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University.

Ashley Justice is a Michigan Native and is excited to be joining the MSU College Advising Corps team! Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education for Learning Disabilities. Following her undergraduate, she served as an MSU College Adviser at both Waverly and Webberville high schools and developed a passion for college access during this period. Afterwards, Ashley studied at George Washington University and received her master's degree in Higher Education Administration with a focus on Policy and Finance. Ashley was excited to return to the Greater Lansing community where she was the Program Manager & School Liaison for five years with the Capital Area College Access Network. During this time, Ashley helped promote college access across Ingham and Eaton counties while supporting College Advisers and counselors in the area. During her off hours, Ashley spends time reading, being with her friends and family, and hanging out and being ignored by her dog Ruthie. Ashley is excited to continue supporting College Advisers in her new role with MSUCAC and to be back at MSU!

Miguel Torres has over ten years of experience working with migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the State of Michigan to provide first-generation students with the necessary tools they need to pursue post-secondary education. Prior to MSU College Advising Corps, Miguel worked as an MSU High School Equivalency Program (MSU-HEP) Recruitment & Placement Coordinator who successfully motivated students to obtain their GED and provided continual support to help each student work towards achieving their educational goals. As a first generation migrant farmworker, he has been able to connect with a diverse population and has used his hardships to inspire others. He is an MSU alumnus, CAMP Scholar, and Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow. Miguel has a Masters of Public Administration in Non-Profit Leadership from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Family Community Services from Michigan State University with a cognate in youth leadership and management.