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Hunting & Angling Scholars participate in experiential learning activities outside of their academic pathway to enhance their education and make connections with industry leaders in the outdoor field.

Exploring Interests.

As an HA Scholar, you'll explore the ways hunting, fishing, land management, media production, conservationism, safety, and promotion of the great outdoors connect through coursework, projects, and storytelling opportunities.

In collaboration with Rusted Rooster Media, a Nationally known and award-winning outdoor production company, and other partners, scholars will learn what it takes to excel in a variety of outdoor-related careers, strategies from experts in the field, and how to apply their new skills gained from participating in outdoor adventures like salmon fishing, turkey hunting, and more.

Expanding Connections.

HA Scholars develop meaningful connections with their fellow students, instructors, and industry leaders from a wide-range of outdoor-related careers.

Experiencing Adventure.

HA Scholars participate in exciting experiential learning outdoor-related trips and collaborative projects involving their fellow students, instructors, community members, and industry leaders. Scholars will also promote outdoor heritage by sharing their stories, creating digital content, and managing social channels.

Related Academic Pathways.

Expedition Hunting & Angling Scholars can pursue any academic pathway, but there are several outdoor-related pathways that have been developed for outdoor enthusiasts.

HAS Social Media

“I’ve been immersed in a career in the outdoor industry for over 20 years and can honestly say I can’t imagine being a part of anything else. The Expedition Hunting & Angling Scholars and Outdoor Media pathway will connect students to real-world opportunities that currently exist. There’s a true lack of talented individuals who also possess an outdoor skill-set in many areas of the industry, so building a feeder system for outdoor brands, marketing agencies, as well as media and production houses has never been more important.”

Jason Brown, Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Rusted Rooster Media

Help Expand HA Scholar Opportunities!

Support HA Scholars and their experiential learning opportunities by clicking the button below or donating via check made payable to the Mid Foundation and mailed to 1375 South Clare Avenue, Harrison, MI 48625. Include Hunting & Angling Scholars in the memo line.

Donate Online!

HAS Testimonials

Connecting interests and academics to career opportunities.

HAS Student with dog and turkey.
"I was a Mid HA Scholar, am now a full-time conservation officer, and have returned to Mid to serve as the HAS Program Coordinator. I've come full circle and am excited to help students explore their interests and succeed."

Marc, Mid Student

HAS instructor in a river holding a fish.
"I am an instructor at Mid and as a Michigan Conservation Officer, I see the benefits of an outdoor-focused education and the immersive experiences available through HAS. Both of these opportunities provide students with practical skills and knowledge related to hunting, fishing, and the outdoors, which will help them become intuitive outdoor storytellers, conservation officers, and outdoor entrepreneurs."

Daniel Robinson

HA Scholar Details


  • Outdoor Adventures as they become available
  • Monthly Events related to the outdoors
  • 'In the Woods and On the Water' experiential learning coursework
  • Workshops and Seminars from experts in hunting, fishing, and outdoor media
  • DNR Rules, Regulations, and Safety Training
  • Outdoor Industry Career Exploration
  • Discussions with Industry Professionals
  • Dedicated Faculty Mentor throughout your time at Mid
  • Connections with and support from the Hunting and Angling Scholars Cohort
  • Hunting & Angling Scholars Apparel



  • Must declare one of the HAS Degree Pathways as their intended program.
  • Enroll in ENG 226 Creative Nonfiction Writing in the second year as a HA scholar
  • Attend scheduled Monthly Events
  • Maintain a 2.5 GPA (with a one-semester grace period)
  • Attend 1 of 4 scheduled Outdoor Adventures per semester
  • Work collaboratively to develop content for the Expedition Hunting & Angling Scholars YouTube and Social Media Channels

Any questions please reach out to Amy Fisher, Dean of Business & Professional Studies or Marc Mankowski.

Hunting & Angling Scholars must attend all Monthly Events, and will be sent event details directly.

New schedule of events coming soon!

Hunting & Angling Scholars will select one Outdoor Adventure to attend each semester and will be sent details directly. These offerings are subject to change, and additional adventures may become available.

New list coming soon!

  • Jason Brown | Co-founder of Rusted Rooster Media and BeAlive
  • Kirk Cabanilla | Alaska Commercial Fisherman/Athletic Trainer
  • Jeremy Payne | Lieutenant of the Department of Natural Resources
  • Jeff Poet | President and CEO of Jay’s Sporting Goods
  • Erik Spindler | Executive Administrator of the Morey Foundation
  • Scott Govitz | Associate VP of Workforce and Economic Development
  • Amy Lince | Executive Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees
  • Nivia McDonald | Administrative Specialist to the Mid Michigan College Foundation
  • Scott Mertes | VP of Community Outreach and Advancement
  • JJ Mertz | HA Scholars Director and Full-Time Math Faculty
  • Tom Olver | Associate VP of the Mid Foundation
  • Chris Pellerito | Mid Admissions Representative
  • Jeff Percha | Full-Time Science/Biology Faculty
  • Richard Smith | Associate Dean of Off-Campus Instruction
  • Amy Fisher | Dean of Business & Professional Studies
  • Eric Wittig | Mid Mentor
CONTACT
Harrison Campus

Chris Pellerito

Admissions Representative

Phone
(989) 386-6660
Text
(989) 418-4578

cpellerito@midmich.edu

Schedule an Appointment!

CONTACT
Mt. Pleasant Campus

Ryan Donley

Admissions Representative

Phone
(989) 386-6628
Text
(989) 444-5695

rmdonley@midmich.edu

Schedule an Appointment!

CONTACT
CJS/HAS Program Coordinator

Marc Mankowski

Phone
(989) 386-6622 x623

mmankowski@midmich.edu

Let’s Do This