Madison College Welcomes Dr. Jennifer Berne as Its New President

Experienced Education Leader Set to Begin July 1
🌟 A Bold New Chapter for Madison College
Madison, Wis. – Madison College has ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Berne as the institution’s next president. The announcement was made following a comprehensive national search, with Dr. Berne emerging as the top choice among four exceptional finalists.
She will officially step into the role on July 1, 2025, succeeding Dr. Jack E. Daniels III, who retired earlier this year after more than a decade of distinguished service.
👩🏫 Meet Dr. Jennifer Berne: A Leader in Higher Education
With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Berne brings a strong track record of innovation and academic leadership. Most recently, she served as Provost at Oakland Community College in Michigan, where she led initiatives focused on:
- New program development
- Dual-credit expansion
- Strategic workforce partnerships
- Faculty-centered learning enhancements
- Regional talent pipeline creation
Her leadership has consistently been marked by a focus on student achievement, teaching excellence, and collaborative innovation.
🗣️ A Shared Vision for the Future
“We are deeply impressed by Dr. Berne’s unwavering commitment to student success and her clear understanding of Madison College’s mission,”
said Board Chair Donald D. Dantzler, Jr.
“Her experience and passion make her uniquely qualified to guide the college into a bold and promising future.”
💬 Dr. Berne’s First Words: Inspired by the Madison Community
Dr. Berne expressed heartfelt appreciation upon being chosen:
“What stood out to me was the deep pride people feel for this college and the meaningful purpose behind everything happening here.”
“I was immediately impressed by the dedicated faculty, the engaged community partners, and the beautiful spaces that define Madison College.”
🎓 Academic Excellence Meets Executive Expertise
Dr. Berne’s impressive academic credentials include:
- Ph.D. from Michigan State University
- Master’s Degree from Northwestern University
- Bachelor’s Degree from University of Michigan
- Currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business
This combination of academic and business expertise makes her especially equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education.
📈 What’s Next: A Vision for Growth and Innovation
Dr. Berne’s appointment signals a strong commitment by Madison College to its strategic goals, including:
- Enhancing academic excellence
- Expanding community engagement
- Deepening workforce alignment
- Supporting a diverse and inclusive environment
📅 Timeline & Transition
After a thorough nationwide search, the Board selected Dr. Berne based on her transformative leadership and alignment with the college’s future goals.
Her presidency will begin officially on July 1, and the Madison College community is eager to collaborate, innovate, and grow under her leadership.