Sean Novak is a native of northwest Detroit. He has a B.S and M.A. in Sociology and his graduate studies focused on systemic and institutionalized racism. A significant amount of his career was spent in community organizing and multicultural affairs, but he most recently comes to us from the University of Detroit Mercy. At UDM he worked in the College of Liberal Arts & Education as an Academic Advisor and Coordinator of Undergraduate Student Services. He also has previous work experience as an Associate Registrar and as an adjunct instructor for sociology and cultural anthropology. He was working as a general laborer in an Amazon factory during the lockdown when he received the call to join the Wayne State community. 

Sean’s advising philosophy is to empower and equip students to navigate their education independently while utilizing the plethora of material and human resources they have at their disposal. His favorite part of working with students is watching them overcome their fears, excel at their goals, and then turn around and pay it forward. 

Outside of work, Sean enjoys spending quality time with his wife and nurturing the growth of his little princess, Angel Marie. He is an avid supporter of Detroit City FC, Detroit’s professional soccer club, and is a small-time owner of the club. 

A fun fact about Sean is that he once received a personal email of gratitude from social activist Julian Bond. He doesn’t get star struck very much, but Mr. Bond was a special case.