Dr Rick Vandermolen is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Educational Leadership Department at GVSU. Prior to his work in higher education, Rick worked for 30 years in PK 12 public schools as a teacher and administrator. He currently serves as a systems administrator and leadership coach for Northwest Education Services with superintendents and principals. His research agenda is committed to “building capacity” in education leaders and technology integration in k12 schools. His most recent publication in the School Leadership Review journal emphasizes the importance of a “learning leaders” approach to school principalship. Rick is a Nationally certified PCM communication and Leadership trainer. He has trained and spoken at national and international conferences on a range of topics. Rick lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and dog “Stout.” His two sons attend GVSU.

Dr. Cathy Meyer-Looze is an Associate Professor and Unit Head for the Educational Leadership and Counseling department at Grand Valley State University. She is also a Leadership Specialist for Northwest Educational Services. Dr. Meyer has been an administrator of all levels in PK12 public education. She has a passion for understanding students today and how they learn in order to help them best prepare for the world they will live in tomorrow. She is also a strong advocate for distributing the leadership to empower all learners. Dr. Meyer received her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Her master's degree is the same from Central Michigan University and her bachelor's degree is in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University. Wanting to grow her wings in community services and leadership, she is a proud graduate of both Leadership Grand Traverse and Leadership Little Traverse in Petoskey. Cathy is married to Kelly Looze, and they happily follow their active daughter, Tacey, in all of her academic and athletic pursuits.

Dr. Greg Warsen serves on the faculty of the Educational Leadership Department at Grand Valley State University and as the Graduate Program Director for the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership which prepares future central office administrators. He has also been named the Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professor for Civil Discourse. Prior to these appointments, he served in PK-12 roles for 25 years initially as an ELA and Psychology teacher and then for 20 years as an administrator at both the building and central office level, including the Superintendency. In addition to his faculty roles, he consults in PK-12th systems for strategic planning, Board relations, culture and climate assessment, and organizational change. He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees at Western Michigan University.