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Saginaw Valley State University

December 4, 2025

SVSU welcomes 2025-26 Gerstacker Fellowship cohort

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Saginaw Valley State University introduced 10 K-12 education leaders from across Michigan as the newest members of the Gerstacker Fellowship Program during the program’s annual symposium at SVSU in November.

The Gerstacker Fellowship prepares school administrators, instructional specialists and district-level leaders for the complex challenges of educational leadership. Throughout the yearlong program, fellows meet regularly for intensive workshops and seminars focused on leadership development, organizational culture, communication, educational policy and global perspectives on schooling.

As part of the fellowship, the cohort will complete an international study experience in Japan and South Korea in spring 2026, where they will visit schools, universities and cultural institutions to compare global approaches to teaching, learning and school governance. The international component, a hallmark of the program since its creation, provides participants with firsthand insight into successful practices used in education systems around the world.

“Nearly 200 educational leaders have now completed the Gerstacker Fellowship, and each has made an impact in their schools and communities,” said Matt Schmidt, co-director of the program. “Our goal is to continue developing leaders who inspire collaboration, innovation and student success across Michigan.”

The 2025-26 Gerstacker Fellows are:

  • Jenna Bissett, district behavioral interventionist, Evart Public Schools, Osceola County
  • Rebecca Crocker, director of instructional services, Berrien RESA/Berrien Springs, Berrien County
  • Karen Demaray, LEA coordinator/special education supervisor, Tuscola ISD
  • Cindy Jamrog, literacy coach/consultant, Allegan Area ESA
  • Maria Lograsso, English language development specialist, Troy School District, Oakland County
  • Laura Mahler, Secondary Instructional Coach, Clarkston Schools
  • Niki Napolitano, assistant director of early childhood development, Bay-Arenac ISD
  • Holly Polzin, special education supervisor, Bay-Arenac ISD
  • Tonya Powers, instructional coach, Lapeer County ISD
  • Matthew Wenzell, assistant principal, Midland High School, Midland

Established in 2005 through a $1.5 million endowment from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation of Midland, the program has supported nearly 200 leaders representing districts and service agencies across Michigan. Many Gerstacker Fellows have gone on to hold superintendent, principal and director-level roles in their home districts.