As Garrett Urman puts it, he was “born, raised and still lives/works in Petoskey, MI.”  He also took advantage of the higher education opportunities at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey – earning an associate degree in 2008, and continuing on through the University Center to complete his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Lake Superior State University.  Garrett has literally been our “poster child” for the UC, and we have thoroughly enjoyed our connection with him over the years.

A graduate of Harbor Light Christian School, Garrett was awarded a Presidential Scholarship which covered his first two years of tuition/frees.  “It was a true blessing,” states Garrett. “Even if I had not received that scholarship, I likely would have still attended NCMC as I wasn’t fully sure what degree I wanted to pursue. By going to NCMC, I was able to my general education credits and live at home, allowing me to save money while still obtaining a great education.” And he graduated with a four-year degree from LSSU with no student debt.

“Honestly, the whole staff at NCMC was great,” states Garrett. “When I started pursuing business, a few professors stuck out – Tom Barkley (who has since passed away) in accounting and Rod Anderson in economics. Both took time out of class to answer questions I had, showing me that they wanted me to succeed. And Mr. Cummings is just a great man/great representative of NCMC.”

Garrett is now an Assistant Vice President – Business Banker at Citizens National Bank. He works closely with clients to be an advisor and partner to them by tailoring banking services which specifically meet their business and individual needs. “I started at Citizens National Bank in May 2019. Prior to that, I was employed at Chemical Bank (f/k/a Bank of Northern Michigan) for nearly 10 years. Classes taken at NCMC helped me understand basics of business management/administration, and financial performance, and made me a qualified candidate to go into banking.”

Garrett is married to wife, Danielle, also a North Central graduate (2008), and has one son, Anders, who is almost two-years-old.  He loves being outside – hunting, fishing, boating and enjoying Northern Michigan’s seasons.  Garrett is a board member for Lake Superior State University’s Lukenda School of Business Professional Advisory Board, Leadership Little Traverse and a finance team member for Harbor Light Community Chapel.

His advice to students planning for college: “NCMC is a great community college with solid academics. Credits transfer to higher level institutions well (they did for me). It is also affordable. Professors truly care about each student’s success.”

Great job, Garrett.