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With a full-time job, three adult children, and decades of life experience, Dawn Plenar wasn’t looking for a career change — she was looking for fulfillment. On April 27, she walked across the stage at Davenport University’s commencement ceremony to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Leadership and Organizational Performance, proof that personal growth doesn’t come with an expiration date.

“I wasn’t going to walk at graduation,” Plenar said. “But my kids said, ‘Dude, we want to hoot and holler in the audience.’ That’s when I knew I had to do it—for them, and for me.”

Plenar grew up in Lansing and graduated from the former Eastern High School. She secured an associate’s degree but then stepped away from her education to raise her family. Her professional journey began with part-time roles before landing an office manager position at a local psychology practice. That role solidified her passion for working with people and helping others grow.

Eventually, Plenar joined the Lansing Board of Water & Light as an office administrator for the executive team. While the job provided stability, something still felt missing. 

“I love people, and I love developing people,” she said. “I wanted to do more, to help others shine.”

One day, while talking with one of the training managers in organizational management, she was offered a position on their team. As a training analyst, she was now working with everyone in the company, yet she still wanted more.

Then one day she said her husband hit her with the question: “Have you ever thought about going back to college?”

And, just like that, she said a little spark lit in her mind. But that spark wasn’t enough. 

“My kids decided to join in. They, the digital natives, told me they could help me navigate this online virtual world of education. They assured me that, whatever I needed, they had my back.”

Her manager felt the same. During a meeting, Plenar said her manager was blunt. 

“She didn’t sugarcoat it,” Plenar said. “She told me the truth: if I wanted to level up, I had to push myself beyond what I thought was possible. So, a few months later, I took the plunge.”

Plenar enrolled at Davenport, which was local and offered the flexibility and the specific degree she was looking for in organizational development. 

“Davenport made it easy,” she said. “Davenport was one of the few institutions nearby that offered the kind of leadership degree I wanted—and they made the process straightforward for someone like me who needed flexibility.”

While most of her courses were virtual, Plenar never felt disconnected. She credits Davenport faculty and staff—especially Jenny Thurber, director of student services for Davenport in Lansing — with helping her through tough times, including a temporary withdrawal during the pandemic. 

“Jenny was my solid go-to at Davenport,” she said. “She never hesitated to help. Her calm guidance made a huge difference.”

Though she doesn’t plan to leave her current role, Plenar says her degree gives her added credibility and a deeper understanding of leadership. “I’m exactly where I want to be,” she said. “I’m in the career I’ve always wanted. Earning this degree just adds tools to my toolbox.”

For adults considering college, her message is simple: “You can do it. The biggest challenge I hear is ‘I’m too old, I can’t go back, I don’t want to invest the time.’ If I can go back, you can go back. Don’t shortchange yourself; you can do it. You’d invest in anyone else – invest in yourself.”

“I’m not saying it’ll be easy – but it’s worth it.”

 

The degree that Plenar earned is no longer available. For information on a similar degree, click here.