MASA is very grateful to these members who have taken MASA’s slogan “Your Success, Our Passion” and applied it to their career and to their lives. These individuals have influenced the lives of many children, colleagues, and friends, and their work and accomplishments will not be forgotten.
Thank you again to all Hall of Fame winners, and congratulations on all your achievements.
Retired Superintendent from Les Cheneaux Community Schools
MASA Member for 13 years
Region 1
Dr. Kenneth Drenth was selected for his leadership in several aspects of education and his innovations in the classroom, such as his establishment of advanced interactive television classes in Michigan, leading the effort with MASA and the Michigan Legislature to secure funding for schools suffering from declining enrollments, and his effort to increase state aid for "geographically isolated schools". Since retiring, he has continued to serve the district and community through his assistance with local superintendent searches and his role as a regular mentor for board members and area superintendents. He is always available and willing to help move Michigan's education forward.
Retired Superintendent from Kingsley Area School
Region 2
Jerry Inman was selected for his 21 years of giving to the Kingsley Area Schools as superintendent and his continued service to the community through each season of the year. Examples of his giving include his help in raising $700,000 for a new public library, volunteering to run the clock and keep scoreboard for the local school basketball games, founding the Inman Scholarship for graduating seniors which he funds, and volunteering and sailing the tall ship, the Inland Seas, on Grand Traverse Bay to educate students of all ages on the water quality and history of the Great Lakes. "Jerry Inman just gives, gives, and continues to give back to his community."
Retired Superintendent from Northview Public Schools
Region 3
Patricia Oldt was selected for her lifetime support of children's causes and personal interest in the students in the district, especially those struggling to reach their potential, Patricia has been a leader and innovator in education for years. In her time as Superintendent, she garnered a grant from Steelcase Foundation to develop Learning Communities as one of the first in a K-12 district in the area, developed a training program for strategic planning action team leaders for successful action plan development, successfully led passage of a $30 million bond proposal for the renovation of facilities, and also helped pass a successful $2.7 million technology millage for the district of Northview. She continues to serve the community since her retirement, active in the Grand Rapids Public Schools Centers of Innovation Committee, the Grand Rapids Urban League Board, and the Wired Policy Council to mention only a few.
Retired Superintendent of Clare-Gladwin ISD
Region 4
Doug Dodge was selected for his tremendous work ethic exemplified by his accomplishments at each district in which he served; Doug was well-respected, well-liked, and always gave credit for accomplishments to others who worked with him, even though his leadership paved the way for others' success. He served as a formal or informal mentor to many superintendents and principals over the years and even in retirement, he continues to contribute in a positive manner to his community and the field of education, such as serving on the Mt. Pleasant Community Foundation and Mid Michigan Industries Boards, and spearheading all efforts to complete a nature trail at the Clare-Gladwin Area School. "At the end of his career, it was rare to encounter anyone in educational leadership in Michigan who didn't know and respect him.”
Retired Superintendent of North Branch Area Schools
MASA member for 35 years
Region 5
Don Gleeson was nominated for the MASA Hall of Fame Award by current North Branch superintendent Al Piwinski. “Don Gleeson spent his 31 years as an educator serving the children and community of North Branch,” Piwinski said. “During his tenure he made a good district great. He made sure that all of us—teachers and administrators—knew that we were here to serve the children and that the schools belonged to our community.”
Upon his retirement, Gleeson continued to support education by serving many schools in the Thumb as an interim superintendent and educational consultant. “Don has left behind a legacy of respect for students and the communities he served,” Piwinski said.
Retired Supt of Perry Public Schools
MASA Member for 26 years
Region 6
Jacklyn C. Hurd was selected for her over 40 years as an educator and 25+ years as a Superintendent, Mrs. Hurd has served the community of Perry and was "always there" for the students, staff, and community. She has served on numerous boards promoting the community and important causes, including the Perry-Morrice Chamber of Commerce, Memorial Healthcare Foundation Board, Memorial Healthcare Oncology Project, and Kiwanis. Additionally, she has been actively involved in her church and has recently completed two mission trips (Alaska and Thailand) where she continued to promote caring and educating others.
Retired Supt of KRESA
MASA Member for 25 years
Region 7
Craig Misner was selected for his outstanding influence as a role model and mentor for the profession, Dr. Misner's career spans 40 years in the region starting in 1969 as a young teacher in the Kalamazoo Public Schools. During his time as Superintendent he also served as an Adjunct Professor at Western Michigan University, College of Education, chairman of the Kalamazoo Promise Committee and the Kalamazoo Nature Center Board, in leadership roles and on the legislative board of the Michigan Association of School Administrators(MASA), and was named MASA's Region VII Superintendent of the year in 2007. "To his credit, he is personally responsible for dozens of young administrators aspiring to the position of Superintendent of Schools and he continues to mentor them to this day."
Retired Supt of Blissfield Community Schools
MASA Member for 15 years
Region 8
Paul Palka was selected for his utmost compassion and professional integrity with those he associates, Paul has been a leader within the Blissfield Community Schools for forty years serving in various positions, including Transportation Director, Migrant School Coordinator, Elementary Assistant Principal, Middle and High School Principal, and Superintendent. Paul continues his service orientation and commitment to public education through a variety of endeavors, such as serving as a consultant for NEOLA of Michigan and maintaining close relations with many districts and administrators as a recommender of Board Policy and Administrative Guideline revisions for school districts throughout Southeast Michigan. "His commitment and consistent demonstration of leadership through listening, learning, and laughing are qualities worth emulating."
Retired Supt of West Bloomfield School District
Region 9
Dr. Gary Faber was selected for his contributions to educational excellence and high standards, which continue to be the hallmark of the West Bloomfield district. During his career, Faber served as president of Oakland County Superintendents Association and Chair of their Legislative Action Committee. He also served as the Legislative Representative for Region 9 and Legislative Representative for Tri-County Alliance for Public Education. Through his leadership, tough legislative issues were addressed. “Gary has been a tireless advocate for public education and has made significant contributions toward fair and equitable school funding,” and he continues to provide his expertise to educators across the state who welcome his candor and perspective.