Finishing what she started

When Janet Reiss came to Columbus State in 2004, it was her second try at college. She first studied business/deaf education at Ohio State and Eastern Michigan University, but quit in 1979 to work and eventually raise a family.

Coming back as a “nontraditional student” wasn’t easy, but her years in the work force gave Reiss a fierce work ethic. One student, seeing her on the first day in class, complained that an adult learner would throw off the grading curve.

“I initially went back to Columbus State because I thought I would finish what I started 30 years ago in education,” Reiss said.

Janet Reiss

Taking the Long Road to Columbus State

Columbus State is a common next step for women graduating from Amethyst Inc., a local nonprofit that helps women recover from substance abuse issues.

When Tina Batts and Juanita Hayes got to Columbus State, they both found supportive teachers and an environment where people want to see them succeed.

“The past is what it is. We’re working from now,” Batts said