Alumni Highlight: Chief Nichole Hudson, 2001 Graduate

Recently, we did a short Q&A with newly-appointed Director of the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety, Nichole Hudson. Chief Hudson is also a proud 2001 Laker graduate.

How does it feel to be honored with such a promotion? What does it mean to be named the first woman to lead the department?

I have grown up with this department since I started as a parking cadet at age 19. I am honored to have worked hard between education and training to allow myself to put in for such a position. The department and its employees are worth having someone who cares for them and their future, so I was excited to have been able to put in.  This position was not given to me but earned. I had to compete with other external candidates and their qualifications. I have entered the position based on the last 22 years of hard work and dedication to the department and the City of Grand Haven. I have never considered the male/female aspect as I was required to do the same job as the person next to me. Being a policeman, firefighter, and medical first responder requires a certain level of fitness and knowledge, and I wanted to make sure I could protect those I serve with. I have yet to put much thought into the first women's title, as some have run with it, but I want to empower younger females to realize there are no limits to what you can do physically and mentally.

How did a Spring Lake education support your current work?

Being an alumnus of Spring Lake--and the education and experience it had given me since Kindergarten--allowed me to be prepared for the world outside of high school. They provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge, the necessary people skills, and the ability to develop myself through sports and extracurricular activities, which allowed me to be successful. 

Who, from your time in Spring Lake Public Schools, would you like to thank? And why?

I have a lot of people to thank because we all thought we knew the world and knew it all in high school, and there were those educators and coaches who saw me for who I could be and not just who I was at that moment. I will always respect and admire Coach Core, Mrs. Devlin, Mr. Coughenour, Mrs. Brady, and Mrs. Keller. Some of these were teachers in elementary school and others in high school, but I adore them for all they stood for in the classroom and out. Teaching is a challenging career, and I appreciate those who want to help educate younger generations without being compensated the way they should. Being in public service, I respect all of them because we can agree that we are in the profession we are in for the service and the positive impact we create and nothing else.

We, at Spring Lake Public Schools, congratulate Nichole on her work and dedication to the community.