The 2023-24 Leadership Academy cohort includes 40 members from 24 community colleges. These leaders represent roles throughout the community college including faculty, staff, administrators, and executive leaders.
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Dawn Stone is the Dean of Workforce Development and the Director of the World Center for Concrete Technology at Alpena Community College. Dawn has worked in workforce development for over 25 years, the last 10 with ACC, and added on the role of Director of WCCT 7 years ago. She loves the challenge of evaluating and implementing new and different training opportunities often, and leading a team that is dynamic and highly motivated to improve the region’s workforce.
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Lynn Martinson is the Director of the Business Office at Bay College, where she has been employed for 18 years. Prior to Bay, she worked in the Credit Union industry for 11 years, where she continues to volunteer her time. Lynn has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, is a graduate of CUNA Management School, a three-year management program specific to the Credit Union industry, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Lake Superior State University.
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Sheryl Hammock is a PHD Educational student with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education Advocacy and Leadership at Walden University. She currently serves as the Dean of Occupational Education at Bay Mills Community College as the Early Childhood Education Faculty to develop their first bachelors degree and then became the Department Chair. Previously, she worked as an Early Childhood Education Specialist (Region XI) at FHI 360 which is an Office of Head Start contractor within with Birth-5, Head Start and Early Head Start tribal programs, across the nation. She works for Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indian tribal programs for 20 years.
Jon Foco joined Delta College in May 2019 to be the Director of Business Services. In his role, he oversees Auxiliaries, Purchasing, Contracts and IT Services. His previous experience includes 10 years working in K-12 as a Business Manager / CFO. Jon has a Bachelors from Cleveland State along with a Master Degree in Business Administration from SVSU. If he is not working at Delta you can find Jon coaching his sons baseball team, hunting, and camping.
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Jennifer Dodson is the Chief Financial Officer and Controller at Glen Oaks Community College. She started at Glen Oaks in March of 2011 as their Senior Accountant. In October of 2022, she was promoted to Controller. Just recently as of April 2023, she was promoted to her current position. Dodson has her bachelors’ degree in Accounting from Ferris State University and a master’s degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.
Shannon Anderson is a Financial Aid Counselor at Gogebic Community College. Shannon is new to her role but is striving to learn as much as possible to become a future Financial Aid Director. She loves to help educate her students about their financial aid. Her family is also very active in hockey and outdoor activities in the UP.
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Kari Klemme is currently the Marketing Strategist for Gogebic Community College in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. She has been working in marketing for over 10 years and recently finished her Master of Science in Marketing degree from UW-Whitewater. Making data-driven decisions on how to best propel GCC forward in enrollment and retention is always at the forefront for her. She believes strongly in creating a sense of place and belonging for students and has done so by starting an ambassador program, co-leading the launch of a new college mascot, and creating the Samsons Outfitter for students to use outdoor equipment (for free) to explore the area.
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Jamillya Hardley (pronounced Jah-meal-yah) began her tenure at GRCC in 2021 as the Assistant Director for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Hardley (she/her/hers), a first-generation college graduate, is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She has served in student affairs for over a decade, with professional experience in student conduct, academic advising, career development, housing and residence life, and athletics. Jamillya wants to learn the stories of the students she serves and advocate for all through their educational journey. Jamillya prides herself on providing opportunities for student engagement through fostering relationships, creating inclusive spaces, and building connections. As she embarks on her tenure at GRCC, she looks forward to championing DEI work and remaining active in the greater Grand Rapids community.
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Jennifer Scott has served as the Director of Student Financial Services for Grand Rapids Community College since 2020. She is a GRCC alumni and has worked at the college since 2012. She earned her bachelor’s in business administration from Grand Valley State University and an MBA from Davenport University. As a first-generation college graduate, she knows the importance of financial literacy and uses her experience to help students at GRCC.
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Clevester Moten is the Chair of the Business, Accounting, and Computer Information System departments at Jackson College (JC). He has 15 + years of experience in leadership, operations management, policy, procedural analysis, program development, project management, and nine years in academic instruction. He earned his doctoral degree from Walden University in Public Policy and Administration, concentrating on public leadership and management.
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Anna Fontaine holds a tenure position as Education & Student Development Faculty at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Anna also is a PhD Candidate in Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University. Her areas of research are critical literacy skills of adult learners and perceptions of regional and social dialects. At KVCC, Anna is lead instructor for Education & Student Development classes, lead instructor for developmental reading and writing, and co-chair for HLC criterion 4: Teaching and Learning: Evaluation and Improvement. Anna’s areas of interest are aiding underprepared students, preparing future educators, evaluating institutional learning outcomes, and contributing to the accreditation process.
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Sara Herrmann, Certified Public Accountant, has been Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Controller since 2018. Her responsibilities include overseeing student financial services, accounts receivable and payroll. Prior to joining Kalamazoo Valley, Sara was the Director of Business Operations for Three Rivers Community Schools for three years. Before moving to the educational arena, Sara worked in banking for over ten years, serving as Vice President of Finance for Southern Michigan Bank and Trust and as Controller and Chief Financial Officer of FNB Financial. Her professional experience began with a staff auditor position with Plante and Moran. Herrmann earned a B.B.A. in accountancy from Western Michigan University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She also has an A.A. in liberal arts from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where she graduated with honors.
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Scott Cubberly is the Director of the Eastern Academic Center and Liaison for Business and Industry Partnerships for Kellogg Community College. His previous experience includes, 12 years of leading federal, state, and philanthropic workforce development grants, 9 years of experience as a high school teacher, and 6 years in higher education as an administrator and instructor. Scott also serves as Vice-Chair of the Battle Creek College Access Network and as a Trustee on the Battle Creek Promise Zone. Additionally, he served four years as a trustee on the Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education.
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Kristin McDermott is a seasoned professional with several years of experience in higher education across several institutions. Upon discovering a passion for the community college student population, Kristin has dedicated her career to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. Her expertise lies in developing comprehensive student life programs that promote personal growth, engagement, and success. At Kellogg Community College, Kristin relishes addressing student needs via creative solutions, and is committed to enhancing student experiences. Kristin has a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development from Hardin-Simmons University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from St. Norbert College.
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John Thiel is the Dean of Liberal Arts at Kirtland Community College. Prior to accepting this role in January 2022, he taught history and humanities as a Kirtland faculty member for over 20 years. He is passionate about increasing transfer opportunities for community college students and embracing innovation in teaching and curriculum. He has a Master's Degree from Michigan State University and still cheers on the Spartans whenever possible.
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Barb Walden joined Kirtland Community College as the Dean of Occupational Programs in 2022. She has over twenty years of higher education experience with community colleges in Michigan and Nevada. Her background includes grant administration and administration of both credit and non-credit programs. Barbara has an AAS in Electronics Technology (Kellogg Community College), a BA in Marketing Management (Bellevue University) and a MA in Educational Leadership (WMU).
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LaToya Mason is the Dean of Health Sciences at Lake Michigan College. She is dedicated to the success of student learners and has worked in higher education for nine years with the same institution. Prior to joining Lake Michigan College, LaToya worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs in several roles for five years and in the healthcare field as a Certified Medical Assistant. LaToya holds a Masters degree in both Business Administration and Healthcare Administration. She is currently a PhD candidate at Capella University at the School of Public Service and Education.
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Bentrelle Carroll is the director of compliance at Lansing Community College where she provides oversight, guidance and collaboration to enhance college-wide compliance activities to promote a culture of ethics, compliance, risk mitigation and accountability. She has more than twenty years of leadership experience in higher education working with students and colleagues in multiple areas from compliance, accreditation, licensing, regulatory matters, financial aid and admissions. Bentrelle received a Bachelor of Science from Southern University A&M College and a Master of Arts in Education from Phoenix University.
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Mari Croze has been employed at LCC for 21 years. She currently serves as an Associate Dean in Health & Human Services (HHS). Prior to that role she was the HHS Director of Operations and Facilities. Within her Operations & Facilities role she was the Program Director for Fitness & Wellness. She also has teaching experience as an Adjunct Faculty and Lab Instructor. Mari holds an Associate Degree in Science from Alpena Community College (ACC) and an undergraduate and graduate degree from Central Michigan University (CMU). Her Bachelor degree is in Health Promotion & Rehabilitation and her Master degree is in Science Administration with a Health Administration concentration. She is a Nationally Certified Personal Trainer and Exercise is Medicine Level 1 credentialed.
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Working with people is the passion of Nicole Hutchings, the Director of Talent Management and Learning for Macomb Community College. Nicole joined the Macomb team in 2019, bringing with her 12 years of operations, student services, human resources and leadership experience from the University of Windsor, alongside experience in the private sector. Nicole has her Master of Science degree in Human Resources and Organizational Development from Eastern Michigan University, her Bachelor of Commerce’s with Honors in Business Administration from the University of Windsor and her SHMR Certification from the Society of Human Resources Management. Nicole is a skilled trainer and workshop facilitator and strives to find new ways to develop and support the employees she works with.
Michael Williams is the Director of Financial Aid at Macomb Community College. He received my bachelor's degree from Wayne State University and has worked in financial aid for 20 years. He is a Past-President of the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association (MSFAA) and has served our financial aid community here in Michigan with various roles within the association. He enjoys giving back to the youth in his community as often as possible and has been a youth football coach for over 17 years. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and three children and my grandson.
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Dr. Scott Behrens earned his doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Florida and a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Arizona. He presently serves as Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Succes at Monroe County Community College. His previous positions include, Vice President of Teaching and Learning at Northwest Florida State College, Dean of Academic Affairs at Hillsborough Community College, Brandon Campus, Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations at South University, and tenured chair of the education department at Adrian College where he was recognized by then Governor Granholm and Harry Wong for his work in the preparation of Michigan's future teachers.
Dr. Behrens has been influential in community college organizations presenting at both SACS and AACC conventions on college success initiatives and for his development of new statistical techniques leading to significant gains in student enrollment retention and completion.
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Taylor Male is the Director of Operations at Montcalm Community College (MCC). He has spent 10 years in facility management with the last 6 years at MCC. Taylor enjoys developing and building programs within the operations team and enjoys the interaction with employees and colleagues. His favorite part about being at MCC is being able to be part of the vision of progress and looking into the higher education environment of the future.
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Renee David is the Director of Corporate Services & Lifelong Learning at Mott Community College Workforce & Economic Division. Renee joined MCC in 2010 and has since earned 2 Associates degrees, a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a MBA from Cleary University. Renee recently finished up Together We Lead training at MCC and is currently participating in training for Leading Mott Strong and enrolled in Diversity Certification training with the Society of Diversity. In her free time Renee loves to camp, ride her Harley, DIY projects, and read.
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Jessica Esperanza is an associate professor of Spanish, the coordinator of the World Languages Department, and the co-coordinator of the International Institute at Mott Community College. As a first generation scholar herself, Jessica is passionate about bringing study abroad opportunities to the students at Mott and breaking down barriers for underrepresented students and majors so that they may have some of the same types of opportunities that she benefited from as an undergrad and graduate student. Jessica created the study abroad program at Mott and has seen it grow from one non-credit bearing trip to seven (7) faculty-led study abroad credit-bearing courses 2023-2024 academic year alone. She created robust training for faculty to help them learn to lead students abroad, designed a comprehensive orientation process for students, and even negotiated an MOU with a university in Spain which now allows Mott students to study abroad for one semester without paying any extra fees. Jessica has lived in Spain, Mexico, and Costa Rica and has traveled to over 30 countries. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys reading, yoga, traveling, quiet time in her hammock, and quality time with her family.
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With nearly three decades of experience spanning many industries, including non-profit, health care, and higher education, Ken is driven by his passion for initiating cross-cultural dialogue and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. As Chief Diversity Officer for Muskegon Community College, he combines his knowledge and lived experiences to deliver creative, intentional programs to students, faculty/staff, community members, and businesses.
Ken is an alumnus of Kentucky State University and Grand Valley State University, from which he holds a master’s in public administration. Most recently, he earned Executive Certification in Diversity Coaching through the CoachDiversity Institute in partnership with Howard University School of Business and is recognized as an Associate Diversity Coach (ADC).
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Kristin Tank began as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Muskegon Community College in 2021. Prior to this, she served as Public Information Officer at the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District. She has experience as an adjunct instructor at Baker College of Muskegon and as Communications Manager at Quality Stores, Inc.
Kristin earned a BA in Business and Personnel Management from Michigan State University and an MA in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University. She formerly served as President of the Michigan School Public Relations Association and is now on the board of Community Toastmasters #3009.
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Katie Malone started her career in Financial Aid as a Financial Aid Specialist for 6 years at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) after completing her bachelor’s degree at Lake Superior State University in Business Administration. She was primarily hired to work on state and institutional scholarships, but as her love for the field grew, she quickly become involved in all processes for Financial Aid from Verification, SAP, R2T4’s, etc . She then decided to take a 2-year break from Financial Aid to expand her skills in higher education. She continued working for NMC in a new role as an Academic Area Office Manager/Student advisor. She returned to financial aid to become the Director at North Central Michigan College and has been in this role for 2 years.
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Dr. Erin Sonneveldt is the Director of Institutional Research & Assessment at North Central Michigan College (NCMC). Erin has worked in higher education for 14 years beginning as an adjunct instructor at Oakland Community College-Orchard Ridge Campus. Prior to joining NCMC in 2021, Erin served as the Assistant Director of Testing & Assessment in Eastern Michigan University’s ESL program. Erin holds a Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University, an MBA and MA TESOL from Eastern Michigan University, and a BA from The University of Michigan.
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Lindsey Dickinson is a proud alumnae of Northwestern Michigan College and University of Virginia, and received her Master's degree from Arizona State University. She taught as a Corps Member in Teach for America in South Phoenix before working in London for the non-profit Childnet International. Her previous roles at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) include domestic and international recruitment and admissions, coordination of the Early College Program for Traverse City Area Public Schools, and international partnership development at NMC. As the Director of Academic & Career Advising, Lindsey has taken on numerous responsibilities at NMC, including leadership for Guided Pathways and the Michigan Transfer Pathways Initiative. She has served as a Guided Pathways mentor for MCSS and leads strategic objectives for transfer partnerships and retention/completion goals through NMC's strategic planning initiative.
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Carly McCall has been with Northwestern Michigan College for nearly a decade, and is currently serving as Director of Alumni Engagement. Prior to that, she was campaign coordinator for Be What’s Possible, NMC’s first comprehensive campaign, which raised over $40 million dollars over 5 years. Her previous experience includes operations, education, fundraising, and alumni relations in arts and education, serving organizations of varying sizes, from the Traverse City-based Old Town Playhouse to Interlochen Center for the Arts and Carnegie Hall. She holds degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University and Albion College. Grateful for opportunities she benefited from, she is passionate about the role of community colleges, the variety of pathways available to learners of all ages, and connecting individuals and organizations through the power of education.
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Anna Hansard joined Oakland Community College as the Director of Web Services in 2021. In this role, she is responsible for leading the external Digital and Web Strategy within the Marketing and Communications team. Anna is passionate about simplifying the student’s digital experience throughout all phases of their educational journey to support them in their success, at the same time improving internal productivity by implementing effective processes. Each day, she works to bridge the gap between our end-user, technology, and business, having worked in various roles in marketing and technology across industries for 20 years.
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Sarah Rowley is the Director of Purchasing and Auxiliary Services at Oakland Community College. She has served in various roles within higher education for more than 25 years. Sarah has extensive experience in project management and critical thinking as well as a strong passion for serving the college community in whatever capacity needed. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Walsh College and has received various purchasing and auxiliary services related certifications. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and two children.
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Dr. Jodie Beckley leads the department of Personal & Professional Learning at Schoolcraft College, which provides a variety of diverse programming for adults and youth related to individual enrichment and career development. Prior to joining Schoolcraft College, Jodie spent 13 years in the education management industry, where she focused on increasing leadership performance of school and district personnel to improve learning outcomes for students, primarily in disadvantaged communities and underserved schools. Jodie also served as a principal, an assistant principal, and a Spanish teacher in grades K-12. She holds bachelor's degrees in Spanish and International Studies from Wichita State University as well as a master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction. In addition, Jodie has an MBA from Michigan State University and a PhD in Higher Education Administration, also from Michigan State University.
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Lisa Brooker is the Director of Financial Aid at Schoolcraft College, where she has worked for 17 years in various roles. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University and received her MBA from Baker College. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and two small children.
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Andrew B. McQueen, Ed.D. is an experienced leader in higher education administration with a focus on community college and university settings. Currently serving as the Northwest Campus Provost for Wayne County Community College District, he brings over 25 years of leadership experience to his role in various areas of higher education administration, including program development, financial operations, campus operations, and developing community partnerships.
Dr. McQueen has previously held positions as Information Systems Administrator at The University of Toledo; Academic Advisor and Bursar for Owens Community College; Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, and Campus Provost at Wayne County Community College District.
Dr. McQueen holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from the University of Toledo, a Master of Education with a focus on Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Toledo, and a Doctorate in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University.
Ashley Storai joined Wayne County Community College District in 2021, serving across the District’s Educational Affairs and Design Center teams, with a focus on innovation, redesign, and improvement initiatives. Ashley has 10+ years’ experience in project management, technical writing, and communications across various industries including automotive, defense, financial, and technology. She has her bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in Journalism and her Master of Science in Project Management from Walden University. She values collaboration and care, striving to be a servant leader.
Chris Barry lives In Ludington Michigan with his wife Bethany and four daughters. Chris is a higher education professional who has worked in the field for over 15 years. He is an advocate for student success and welfare, and he has expertise in program design, outcomes assessment, transition programs, launching targeted initiatives, leadership, small and large group programming, fundraising, multimedia production, coordinating retention services, and strategic planning. Chris has earned numerous awards for his work, and he has been featured at several national conferences. He is passionate about helping students achieve their life goals and turning access into opportunity. Chris is currently serving as the Dean of Student Services at West Shore Community College.
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Dr. Selimos is Professor of Sociology at West Shore Community. Committed to the mission of community colleges, Dr. Selimos is dedicated to supporting instructional and institutional initiatives that assist students in maximizing their learning and personal and professional development.