Academic Coaching

Working with youth and young adults has been one of the best endeavors of my life. I continue to learn so much from those I teach.

As an educator, I taught at Sturgis High School in Sturgis, Michigan, for 41 years. I also coached football, basketball and track at the middle school and high school levels. I received a master's degree in learning disabilities from Michigan State University. I have an added 21 credits in education since receiving that degree.

It has been a pleasure to work at Trine University as an academic coach since the fall of 2019.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University. Early in my career, I worked in many sectors of business and hospitality. After the birth of my two daughters, I had the desire to become a teacher. I went back to study at IPFW in Fort Wayne and completed a teaching license in English, Language Arts, Masters level ENL, and then taught at several high schools and middle schools before retiring in 2018. I again found meaningful work as an Academic Coach at Trine University over the past 4 years. Helping students to achieve academic success is my abiding purpose.

In addition, I am passionate about improving and preserving our natural environment and consider this to be the most essential human focus for our time.

My name is Laurie Whitehead, and I have been in the field of education for over 30 years.  I am passionate about shaping minds and building futures.  I believe in inspiring excellence one student at a time.  

One of my favorite quotes that I always try to keep at the forefront of my mind is, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” (Malcolm X)

When I am not at work, I enjoy date nights with my husband, spending time with our five children and seven grandchildren, gardening and reading.

April Corwin is an academic coach at Trine University with a passion for helping students grow both academically and personally. She holds a master's degree in zoology, during which she taught freshman biology labs, as well as a master's in TESOL, where she gained extensive experience teaching writing and grammar. April also taught ESL in Japan for four years, developing a deep appreciation for Japanese language, culture and food. Alongside her teaching background, April has spent several years mentoring college students through a campus ministry, supporting them as they navigate academics, relationships and personal development. Originally from Nebraska, April has lived in Illinois and Alabama and now happily calls Indiana home. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her family, bird watching, reading with her kids and spending time in nature.

I earned a Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University in 2012 with a degree in political science. During my time at Ohio State, I volunteered at the Columbus Learning Center, teaching reading and critical thinking skills to various age groups. This experience ignited my passion to teach under-privileged youth and support the learning process of young adults enabling these groups to positively impact society.

Early in my basketball coaching career, I worked at Solano Community College and found ways to combine my passion for sports and academics. First at SCC and then at Wilmington College, I always pushed the athletes to earn their highest individual GPA and set team records for average GPA.

At Trine, I am an assistant for the men's basketball program and an Academic Coach. I believe my blend of experience in athletics and academics helps me guide students to achieve their true potential.