McIntosh-Pharms. Submitted photo

Mackenzie Jonke
JRNM 151

Kionna McIntosh-Pharms is the new Student Services Navigator, an ombudsperson-like position newly created by LCCC administration to address numerous student concerns. College ombudsperson’s traditionally listen to student concerns and clarify, point them to resources, departments or people who can help. In her new position, McIntosh-Pharms addresses and resolves individual student concerns related to admissions, academic advising, student assessment, counseling, registration, financial aid, records, and academic policies. In addition to all of these responsibilities, the Navigator serves in a proactive capacity to resolve student concerns prior to filing a formal complaint. Students approach the Student Services Navigator mostly to resolve academic concerns, but sometimes to address their transportation issues as well, according to McIntosh-Pharms.

The Student Services Navigator’s position, functions like an ombudsperson by providing students with an individual who has the institutional knowledge and experience to direct students where to go when they have questions, but don’t know where to start for answers.

“The offices of the Associate Provost, Provost, and President all take pride in getting students the help they need,” McIntosh-Pharms said. 

McIntosh-Pharms said LCCC is taking as many steps as they can to make the process as easy as possible for students and their parents.     

McIntosh-Pharms has almost 10 years of experience with LCCC in a wide range of roles. She began her career here as a Business Administration Management student holding several Student Senate Office positions, from executive secretary to president. She graduated with her associates degree in Business Administration Management in 2015.

McIntosh-Pharms worked part-time in the Financial Services Department and as the Scholarship Representative for the Foundation Office and Financial Services Department. Her many leadership activities include her role as the current vice president of the Staff Senate here at LCCC .

Time spent as administrative assistant in the Associate Provost Office for Enrollment Management and Student Services provided her with additional knowledge and experience with student issues and concerns. Prior to accepting her new position as Student Services Navigator, McIntosh-Pharms was an executive assistant in the Provost Office. 

All of this student and staff-based experience in various LCCC departments uniquely qualifies her to help others. 

Students can contact McIntosh-Pharms at (440)366-7690 (office) or (440)610-9802 (cell) or at kmcintosh@lorainccc.edu.