The Michigan Virtual Board of Directors elected three new members at its April 19 meeting.
The three new members expressed significant interest in the work of Michigan Virtual to serve Michigan’s K-12 community with quality online educational services and welcome the opportunity to serve on the Michigan Virtual Board. They were elected to three-year terms. The Michigan Virtual Board consists of members representing the business and education communities.
The new board members are James Lorenson, President of Gogebic Community College; Gretchen Dziadosz, Executive Director of the Michigan Education Association; and Kevin Oxley, Superintendent of Jackson County Intermediate School District.
Board Member Profiles
James Lorenson, President of Gogebic Community College (Ironwood)
Jim has served as the President of Gogebic Community College since 2006. He is the Executive and Administrative Officer of the college which has approximately 1,500 students. Previously, Jim served as the Dean of Instruction at GCC and was responsible for the planning, organizing, implementation and administration of the college’s educational programs. During the last 20 years, he has served in other roles at the college, including Community/Industry Coordinator, Director of Institutional Advancement, Director of Community Services & Continuing Education, Director of Off-Campus and On-Line Programs, and Director of Extended Programs and College Facilities.
Gretchen Dziadosz, Executive Director of the Michigan Education Association (East Lansing)
Gretchen has spent more than 30 years with the MEA and has worked in different capacities, including UniServ Director, Statewide Bargaining Consultant, Director of Negotiations & Northern Zone Field Services Director, Director of Professional Development and Human Relations, and Director of Field Services. In 2012, she was named Executive Director of the MEA. She is responsible for all staff and operations for the Michigan Education Association, MEA-Financial Services and Michigan Education Special Services Association.
Kevin Oxley, Superintendent of Jackson County Intermediate School District (Jackson)
Kevin has 25 years of experience working in public education. He most recently served as the Director of Career & Secondary Education at the Intermediate School District, before being named Superintendent in 2009. Kevin began his career in Reed City, Michigan, as a high school social studies teacher. He has served as a high school vice-principal and principal at different school districts.
Outgoing board members are Chris Wigent, Wayne RESA; Carol Churchill, Mid-Michigan Community College; and Lou Battaglieri, formerly with the MEA.
About Michigan Virtual
Michigan Virtual is a private, nonprofit Michigan corporation established by the State of Michigan in 1998 to serve as a champion for online learning. It is the parent organization of the Michigan Virtual for Students and Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute.
