ACADEMIC STAFF
Mark Schroeder
Director | Student Financial Services
Mark has been working in Higher Education for over 20 years and has a wide breadth of experience in Enrollment Management. After graduating from the Virginia Military Institute in 1993, Mark was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer and served in the 82nd Airborne Division and the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea. He was then assigned to be the Recruiting Company Commander in Toledo, Ohio, enlisting soldiers from Northwest Ohio of the Army and Army Reserve.
He then began working with all Adult, Transfer, and non-traditional students as well as the veteran population. Starting in 2007, Mark’s focus shifted to the international student population and until 2016 he travelled to over 50 countries to recruit international students, support study abroad and develop international partnerships with schools, agents and national government agencies.
Mark come to Madonna University in 2016 as the Director of Undergraduate Admission where he led the office responsible for the recruitment of all new undergraduate students to Madonna programs both in Livonia, university center partners in Michigan and the international degree completion locations in Haiti, United Arab Emirates and China. After a brief stint overseas at the American University of Malta, Mark returned to Madonna to serve in his current role, running the areas of Financial Aid and Student Financial Services.
Yu-Jo Grace Philson
Director | International Admissions
Ms. Yu-Jo Grace Philson, Director of International Admissions, has enjoyed decades of experience working with students from around the world. She provides expertise in international admissions, foreign transcript evaluation, and immigration regulations related to international students on the F-1 student visa.
Having lived in various countries herself, she understands first-hand the importance of a trusted advisor and has provided support to countless international students during their time at Madonna. Feel free to contact Ms. Philson at gphilson@madonna.edu or 734-432-5791 for any questions or guidance.
Kathryn Stelma
Director | Exercise Science Program
I earned a B.S. degree from Bethel University in Physical Education and Health, and an M.A. in Sport Management from Wayne State University and an M.S. from Eastern Michigan University in Elementary Education. I have taught physical education for the past 30 years at all levels. Currently I am Director of the Physical Education/Health and Exercise and Sport Science programs at Madonna University.
Fitness and sports blend together wonderfully and I have spent my life promoting both fields. I am currently a nationally ranked racquetball player as well as a competitive golfer and enjoy staying in shape at my CrossFit gym. We have two Exercise Physiologists working in our department with lots of experience to impart on students in our programs. We offer internships with hands-on experiences in all areas of Exercise Science to give students ample opportunities. We love to see students succeed in areas that keep people fit for a lifetime.
Brandon Hawkins
Financial Aid Officer
Brandon Hawkins is a Financial Aid Officer for students with last names A-L. He is from West Bloomfield, and he’s lived in Michigan his whole life. Brandon went to school at Michigan State University for Professional Writing. He got a bachelor's in Professional Writing: Digital and Technical Design, so he can design the front end of websites. Brandon’s been at Madonna for a little over a year now. And his favorite color is dark blue - like a bit lighter than navy blue.
Kimberly Saylor
Financial Aid Officer
Kimberly (Kim) Saylor is a Financial Aid Officer whose students have last names starting with M-Z and attend Madonna’s main campus. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and her background is in special education with a focus in Cognitive Impairment. She worked with special needs and at risk students for 20 years before coming to Madonna. Kim has 3 children - one attends Wayne State University and two are in high school. She has lived locally since the age of 5 and she graduated from Churchill High School in Livonia. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Kim Covert
Education Skills
​Kim is a certified secondary teacher and former school administrator. She is also the mom of 4 children. Kim is passionate about working with students to help them reach their individual potential. After 20 years in public education, she left her job to start an educational coaching business, Covert Educational Services. Her focus on student-athletes is a natural fit as a sports mom. She can be found at an athletic event with her husband Tom in her free time.
TJ Tyus
Life Skills
​TJ is a former Professional Football player who earned a Bachelor’s in Health Fitness and minor in Athletic Coaching from Central Michigan University. He also earned a Master’s in Divinity from Liberty University. TJ is a certified Mental Performance Coach and a DISC Assessment Certified Trainer. He is the author of “Unleashing the Power” and protégé of Eric Thomas “E.T. The Hip Hop Preacher.” TJ loves salmon, cotton candy and ESPN.