Framing the Educational Needs of Tomorrow’s Workforce and Leaders.
Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Berne, President, Madison College
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
The Madison Club, Madison
About our Speaker: Dr. Jennifer Berne became the ninth Madison College president on July 1, 2025. Her 30-year career in higher education includes classroom and administrative experiences as a professor, researcher, department chair, dean, vice president of academic affairs, and provost.
She began her career at Oakland Community College, teaching English and English as a Second Language. She went on to hold research and teaching positions at Oakland University and National Louis University as well as increasingly responsible leadership roles at Northern Illinois University, Harper College, and Berkshire Community College. In 2018, she completed the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship for community college leaders. Most recently, she served as the provost for Oakland Community College in Michigan.
She has authored or co-authored five books on literacy education as well as written and consulted on best practices in the teaching of writing. To maintain a close connection to the classroom and her discipline, she continues to teach in higher education.
Dr. Berne holds a doctorate in teacher education from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in English from Northeastern University, and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Michigan. She graduated with her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business in May 2025. She and her husband, also an educator, have four children.
Luncheon Choice:
- Seared Chicken Breast, Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Red Pepper, Herb ancient grains, Pea Shoot Pesto
- Tomato Risotto (V): Braised Pearl Onion, Roasted Garlic Purée, Cornmeal Fried Tomato, Micro Truffle Salad
Registration:
- $38.00 Retiree
- $40.00 Guests
Online registration closes on Wednesday, May 6 at 5:00 pm
