Gerstacker Fellowship Program Co-Directors

Dr. Matthew Schmidt serves as Co-Director of the Gerstacker Fellowship Program. A veteran educator with nearly 30 years of experience, Schmidt brings a wealth of leadership expertise, global perspective, and a strong record of innovation. He has led major successful initiatives that resulted in him being named the 2025 Michigan Superintendent of the Year. A Gerstacker Fellow himself (Class of 2010), Schmidt now helps shape the program’s curriculum, oversees participant selection, and coordinates international educational experiences. He holds an Ed.D. from the University of Michigan-Flint and is actively involved in community leadership through service on multiple local boards.

mjschmid@svsu.edu
989.225.4240

Dr. James Tarr serves as Co-Director of the Gerstacker Fellowship Program and as Dean of the College of Education at SVSU. His career in education spans more than 35 years, including roles as a middle and high school teacher, professor of teacher education, and educational researcher. As an administrator, he cultivates productive relationships and supports faculty and staff in their service to a variety of campus and community stakeholders.

jtarr@svsu.edu
989.964.7107