Caitlin Van Ermen
Elaine High experienced a changing disability community when she joined team RCPD in 1992. As she finishes her 23rd year, Elaine High’s retirement from the RCPD marks a joyous celebration of a devoted and gifted specialist.
As the Learning Disabilities Specialist, Elaine experienced growing recognition and support for the disability population. Throughout her time working in Bessey Hall she witnessed new assistive technologies integrated into the classrooms. Elaine High started her position at the RCPD when students with disabilities were called “handicappers”. Although the past 23 years have been different for Elaine, we reflect on her unchanging efforts enhancing the lives of over 2,000 Spartans.
Elaine spent 23 years humbly sharing advice with hundreds of Spartans. As she begins her retirement, she shares a message to those who desire the true Spartan experience: “Involve yourself with every piece of life on campus that you can. Learn from your classes, books, and especially your experiences. Students have an opportunity at college with newfound independence, soak up as much life as possible.”
When Elaine was requested by Okemos public schools to teach a summer course at Michigan State, it meant she would return to the campus where she spent her college career earning both her Bachelors and Masters degrees. This was when fellow Spartan leaders encouraged her to apply for a position at the RCPD.
Elaine has served various roles during her time with the RCPD. As one of the pioneers to the Stern Tutoring and Alternative Techniques for Education (STATE) Program, a leader in the WOW Program, and an integral part of the annual Awards and Appreciation Reception.
Elaine has served various roles during her time with the RCPD. However, what Elaine found most fulfilling is, “is meeting with students weekly; when they progress, understand their learning styles and find their grades improve made my job all worthwhile.”
Joe, a student of Elaine’s, recounts, “As a dyslexic, I have battled the negative stigma surrounding my disability both internally and analytics externally. Elaine was a zealous coach and cheerleader. She was unwavering in her commitment to push me past my unknown abilities and her constant faith in my future success was instrumental in my quest to becoming an Osteopathic Physician. Elaine’s contributions to Michigan State University’s student body is insurmountable and will not be forgotten.”
Students appreciated Elaine’s individualized attention. She recognized that excellence in the classroom is affected by the accumulation of the day’s activities. Elaine would frequently research and advise students on sleeping problems, nutrition, stress relief, and time management skills.
The 2010 Student Employee of the Year for the State of Michigan, Matt, said “I'd certainly label myself a success story for the RCPD for which without you and those resources I wouldn't be here today. I use the study and retention techniques I learned from RCPD every day.”
Elaine and her student, Matt, pose for a picture with his ‘2010 Student Employee of the Year for the State of Michigan’ award
Chris, a current student, ventured to Michigan State from California to become a Spartan. He praised Elaine for always showing compassion and encouragement. He stated, “She cared for not only my academics but also my health. Elaine always helped me get organized and she was ecstatic when I got good grades.”