Please join us in welcoming Brad Baranowski as the new Instruction and Student Success Program Manager for OLS Bellevue College. Brad brings a plethora of expertise to the role, including over 17 years working in counseling, guidance, and case management, and 12 years of teaching in higher education, and he is excited to apply his experience to his new role.
Prior to joining OLS, Brad worked at community colleges and regional universities as an academic advisor for adult basic education students, a disability specialist for college students, and an instructor in Psychology, Gender Studies, Education, Counseling, and Adult Basic Education. He has also worked as a DVR counselor and a Rehabilitation Counselor in private practice.
Brad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Indiana University. He is currently finishing his Doctorate of Education in Student Affairs Administration and Leadership from the University of Wisconsin, where his dissertation combines all his professional interests: LGBTQ+ students with mental health disabilities in community college. “All of my research and practice experience entails supporting marginalized adults,” he says. “Those with disabilities, on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, or impoverished.”
Brad decided to apply to for the position with OLS as it will align his skills, passions, and professional goals. He’s excited to continue to serve students with disabilities and hopes to contribute towards the growth and sustainability of the program. “I am excited to be a part of such an innovative program,” he says. “OLS is the only program of its kind in the country. I am grateful to be a part of a program that is entirely designed around and utilizing Universal Design. I am excited to shape how students with disabilities are served within the program and in community college in general.”
In his free time, Brad likes to spend time outdoors with his wife and two dogs hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, bike riding, and gardening, as well as traveling nationally and internationally. He also enjoys pleasure-reading and is an avid home brewer.
Watch the video below to see how Brad introduced himself to OLS students and staff.
Occupational & Life Skills (OLS) is an accredited associate degree program for adults with learning disabilities. In our uniquely supportive skills-based program, students apply academic knowledge through community activities, service learning, and social experiences. Students identify a career pathway, gain marketable, workplace-ready competencies, develop better interpersonal skills, and complete an internship in alignment with their career goals.
To learn more, register for an upcoming Information Session.
Last Updated October 8, 2020