Tara Welch

When Tara first stepped onto the campus of Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), she had a clear vision: she was going to become an art teacher. Enrolled in the Visual Arts Education program, she imagined herself shaping young artists in a school setting. But as her journey unfolded, so did her passions. Instead of a traditional classroom, Tara found herself drawn to teaching art in museums, where she could blend history, creativity, and hands-on learning.

To support this shift, she decided to double major in Art and History, a choice that would open exciting doors for her future. One of her most rewarding experiences during this time was working at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum as a summer art instructor. She loved guiding students through the museum, showing them real-world examples of different artistic techniques before bringing those lessons to life in the classroom. What made the experience even more special? She had the freedom to design her own lesson plans, allowing her to fully step into the role of an art educator.

The Impact of SVSU: Mentorship & Lifelong Connections

Looking back, Tara believes the most valuable part of her SVSU experience was the relationships she built—not just with fellow students, but with her professors. Their guidance and support extended far beyond the classroom, and even after graduation, they continued to play a role in her success. One professor, in particular, reached out with a job opportunity he thought would be a perfect fit, reinforcing just how dedicated SVSU faculty are to their students’ success.

A Career Rooted in Art & Education

After earning her degrees, Tara took on the role of Executive Director at Studio 23 in Bay City, where she spent nine years shaping the nonprofit’s programs and staff. During her leadership, she helped expand programs and build a strong team—at one point, nearly the entire staff was made up of SVSU alumni!

But Tara’s impact didn’t stop there. Seeking a larger platform to inspire and educate, she transitioned to The ROCK, a nonprofit focused on youth development. Starting as the Development Director, she quickly rose to become President and CEO in January 2025.

Empowering the Next Generation

In her current role, Tara continues her mission of education and empowerment, but on an even greater scale. She now works with students ages 12 and up, helping them build resilience and confidence. She also plays a key role in teacher training across the state through Discover You ^TM, a program that provides educators with essential skills to better support and inspire their students.

Her favorite part of the job? The kids.

Tara loves seeing their kindness and curiosity in action, knowing that her work is making a meaningful difference.

If you’re an educator interested in learning more about the Discover You ^TM training program, visit https://discoveryou.org/ for more information.

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