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 done college recruiting, academic advising, and administration 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 😊

Isabel Kolanowski is the Associate Program Coordinator for the Eastern Region, where she supervises college advisers serving high schools across eastern Michigan. She specializes in college access strategy, FAFSA and financial aid guidance, scholarship advising, and first-generation student support. Isabel works closely with advisers to strengthen college application coaching, career and postsecondary planning, financial literacy education, and family engagement efforts. Having previously served as a College Adviser at Ferndale High School, Isabel brings both experience and leadership to her role. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Athletic Training and Kinesiology, as well as a master’s degree in Sport Leadership and Administration, all from Michigan State University. A LeaderCorps member, Ombudsman Award recipient, and MI College Adviser of the Month honoree, Isabel is passionate about developing strong teams, building community partnerships, and creating accessible resources that empower students and families. She believes every student deserves a clear, supported pathway after high school and welcomes opportunities to collaborate in advancing that mission. Outside of work, Isabel enjoys reading, snowboarding, and playing soccer. She is a beginner in pottery and loves spending time with friends and family, as well as taking on home renovation projects.

Reva Durr is the Associate Program Coordinator for the Central Region, where she supervises college advisers serving high schools across Central Michigan. As a first-generation college student, higher education changed the trajectory of her life, and she is passionate about encouraging others to pursue the same. Reva holds a Bachelor of Communication and a Master's in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University. Reva found a love for working in higher education and with college access during her freshman year of college, where she worked for the orientation program at Lansing Community College. Since then, she has worked and served in several roles, including as a former College Adviser at Ionia High School. She valued her time in MSUCAC and is thankful for the opportunity to be back in the role of program leadership to empower the advisers to make the same impact she once did. She believes in her advisers and the program's ability to change students’ lives. Outside of work, Reva enjoys spending time with her husband and little boy. She enjoys attending markets and thrifting, spending time outside, and traveling to Florida with her family to be by the ocean.