Nicholas Kwiek new Academic Career Coach at TRIO Student Support Services

Finlandia University is excited to welcome Nicholas Kwiek as the new TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) academic career coach. Kwiek earned his bachelor’s degree in History from Kenyon College and is working on his Masters of Education in Online Innovation and Design from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  

Before coming to Finlandia, Kwiek lived for seven years in Bethel, Alaska. There he taught developmental math as an adjunct instructor for the UAF Kuskokwim Campus. He also worked as an instructor and program coordinator for the Bethel Regional Adult Basic Education Program, offering opportunities for adults in remote Alaskan villages to earn a GED or improve academic skills to advance their careers.

Kwiek will be working with FinnU students to help them navigate through college and into their careers beyond. He will be supporting students in choosing their path and thriving at Finlandia, exploring graduate school options, preparing resumes and cover letters, and finding jobs after graduation. 

“I am excited to be working with the students and helping them use their college experience to become themselves,” Kwiek said.

On top of his excitement to help students grow and succeed Kwiek is also excited to be back in Michigan after his time in Alaska.

“I am excited to be back in the Great Lakes and to see trees. There were no trees where I lived in Alaska,” he added.

About TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)

TRIO SSS is a Finlandia University grant funded through the United States Department of Education. The purpose of the program is to support students who come from families with modest incomes, or whose parents do not have four year college degrees, or who possess a physical or learning disability. The program serves 180 students annually to support them in maintaining good academic standing, advancing from one grade level to the next, and completing a four-year degree.