A Brief Biography 

Anni (Hello)

My name is Richard W. Elder, I prefer to be called Rick. I was born in 1952. I was raised in the small town of Linden, Michigan, and have traveled an untraditional path into a career in Higher Education. I have spent most my working years in the retail super market industry, and after a decision in my thirties to go back to college, and several carreer adventures I married my wife Sandy, and we  have lived in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan since 1993. We have resided in one of Brimley's oldest and most historic homes since March, 2000. Our home was ordered from the Montgomery Ward Company back in 1915, and shipped to Brimley by a Great Lakes ship all the way from Chicago.

 I have taught at Bay Mills Community College in Brimley, MI since I started here as an adjunct (part-time) instructor in the fall of 1994. I have taught a wide range of courses at the college; such as American History, World Civilization, American Government, Business Math, and Casino Management Courses, to name a few.

I have been a community college student (back in the early 70's). I earned an Associate's Degree from Mott Community College in Flint, MI. Later in life I returned to college to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Central Michigan University in 1989. In 1993 I earned my Master's Degree in History; also from Central Michigan University.

On the personal side, I enjoy the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the outdoor opportunities that living here allows a person to enjoy. My wife and I love to camp and fish all over the U.P. We start when the snow melts, and quit when the snow puts an end to the camping season. We also enjoy watching Junior A hockey across the border in Sault, Ontario. For the balance of the year we spend time "getting away" when the schedule allows to cities such as Marquette and Escanaba.

I have directed the college's library operations since August 2001.

Rick Elder, Director of Library Services