Nicole Campbell

Nicole Campbell is a student in the K-12 doctoral program and continues to work full-time as an elementary teacher in a Michigan school district. Having taught in both charter and public schools settings, she has an in-depth understanding of the challenges and rewards of being and educator. Nicole’s research interests focus on education reform and running a proficient school amidst multiple logistical objectives. She is also part of the EAD “CommUNITY” team, which has its focus on creating programs that aid international students and students of color in transitioning to graduate school. “Whether you desire to advance in your career or seek to improve your current pedagogy, the K-12 program provides rich opportunities to develop academically and professionally.”

Email: campbe27@msu.edu

Yan Liu

Yan Liu joined the K-12 doctoral program with an interest in school leadership and school construction, a focus on building positive learning environments for all students. Before attending MSU, she worked in China as an educator and administrator in K-12 educational filed. Yan chose the EAD program at MSU over other institutions because of its commitment to making the highest quality programming available to educators who are serious about scholarly work as well as individual care and support from faculty. She also enjoys the diverse student body from which she can share experiences and learn.

Email: liuyan7@msu.edu

Kate Rollert

Kate Rollert joined the K-12 doctoral program with an interest in teacher certification pathways and student engagement strategies that foster growth within STEM programs. Before attending MSU, Kate served with Teach for America as an AP Biology teacher and also worked for the j.k. livin’ Foundation in Texas. Kate chose Michigan State over other institutions because of its nationally recognized faculty and access to state and national policy makers.

Email: rollertk@msu

Jennifer Paul

Jennifer Paul joined the K-12 doctoral program with an interest in assessment and policy issues for English Learners (ELs). Jennifer continues to work full-time, managing the development and administration of the Michigan Department of Education’s statewide K-12 English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA). Prior to her time at MDE, Jennifer taught secondary English and Spanish at a Michigan school district. As a native Michigander, Jennifer enjoys her ability to continue to serve school districts in her current MDE position as well as take advantage of the resources and knowledge provided by the K-12 program faculty.

Email: pauljen2@msu.edu

Ramon Griffin

Ramon Griffin is a fulltime student in the K12 doctoral program. Before joining the doctoral cohort at MSU, Ramon worked as an administrator in charter schools in New Orleans and Detroit. He dedicated his life to education after working with adjudicated minority juveniles. Ramon’s scholarly interests include urban education, response to intervention, culturally responsive pedagogy and emotional and mental health issues in K12 education. After studies at MSU, he plans to create equitable educational experiences for youth who are disadvantaged and disenfranchised.

Email: griff519@msu.edu

Serafettin Gedik

Serafettin Gedik is a full time student in the K-12 doctoral program. He received his Master’s degree from the University Wisconsin-Madison and was awarded a scholarship from the Ministry of National Education of Turkey to complete his graduate education in the United States. After completing his Ph.D, Serafettin is required to go back to Turkey and work as a faculty member at Amasya University in Turkey. His research interests include educational quality and equity with a special focus on Turkey.

Email: gedikserafettin@gmail.com

John Tafelski

John Tafelski is a full time student in the educational leadership doctoral program. John worked as a business education teacher and football coach before becoming the principal of Crestwood High School, one the top high schools in Michigan. The Michigan Association of School Boards awarded his school the Excellence in Education Award this year. John is humbled by the opportunity to be a MSU student and has made numerous important contributions thus far.

Email: tafelski@msu.edu

Catina Mason

Catina Mason joined the MSU doctorate in educational leadership cohort with an interest in educational policy. She is a proud mother and passionate math educator who supports schools with improving teacher and leader capacity. Catina does consultation for school districts in Michigan and has also worked as a state monitor for school support and accountability. After her studies at MSU, she plans to advocate equal educational access for underserved populations in Washington.

Email: masonca2@msu.edu

Jerry McDowell

Jerry McDowell joined the doctoral program in educational leadership with an interest in community development and school organization. After graduating from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he worked as a high school science teacher and Teach for America Corps member. Jerry also served as an elementary school teacher and principal. He is currently the Superintendent of Whitehall District Schools. His early experience in the MSU cohort has provided diverse perspectives and new insights and learnings.

Email: mcdowe96@msu.edu

Keith Cravotta

Keith Cravotta is a student in the doctorate in educational leadership program at MSU. His specific educational interests include developing leadership skills in adults and students, transforming instruction to meet the needs of the 21st-century learner, and using written communication to promote accomplishments, achievements, and benefits of public schools. Keith hopes to apply his research and coursework to principal-ship and make a positive impact for as many public education students as possible.

Email: cravotta@msu.edu

Stu Cameron

Stu Cameron joined the doctorate in educational leadership cohort at MSU after completing his first year as the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Imlay City Community Schools. He began his career as a seventh grade Mathematics and Language Arts teacher. Following his work in the classroom, Stu served as a middle school dean of students, elementary principal, and high school principal all within the same district. Stu is a graduate of Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University and have celebrated over eighteen decorated years in education.

Email: camer124@msu.edu

Holly Heaviland

Holly Heaviland is in her second year of the Doctorate in Educational Leadership program. She has worked at Washtenaw Intermediate School District for over 10 years where she has served the community in a variety of roles, most recently as Director of Community & School Partnerships. She also works with the Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators on educational reform projects.She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and her Master’s and Education Specialist degrees are both from Miami University (Ohio).

Email: heavila2@msu.edu

Dedrick Martin

Dedrick Martin is in his second year of the Doctorate in Educational Leadership program. He worked as a teacher and administrator in several roles in Missouri City, Texas before serving as the director of equity and achievement for the Champaign, Ill. unit four school district. Martin, a Muskegon, Michigan native was named superintendent of Ypsilanti public schools in 2009. In May of 2013, Dedrick was named the superintendent of St. Johns Public Schools.

Email: mart1521@msu.edu