Conference Information

Each year, the Michigan Academy organizes a conference where members present their scholarly work to peers and learn what research projects their colleagues are undertaking.

The 2018 conference will be on Friday, March 9, hosted by Central Michigan University.

Conference Information
Luncheon Speaker

Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson

Learning Away: The Journey of ACE Fellowship

Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson

Pehrsson is Professor and Dean for Education and Human Services, Director of Professional Education, oversees the Centers for Charter Schools and STEM Education at Central Michigan University (CMU). Under her stewardship two doctoral programs were launched (Ed Leadership and Ed Technology). Pehrsson developed Camp Central for College Candidates; an on-campus program for seventh graders from underserved communities, it was recognized by President Obama at the White House Reach Higher Ceremony. She convened the 2015 Early Childhood Summit, which brought together international thought leaders and created partnerships with Harvard, Highscope and Kellogg Foundations. She implemented the 2023 Teacher Preparation Taskforce, Research Award program, Faculty Mentorship program and Leadership Fellow programs. Pehrsson earned her doctorate in Counseling, served as associate dean, department chair, graduate council chair, and faculty senator. She held elected positions in national, regional and state associations within Education, Counseling and Nursing. Pehrsson, a professor of Counseling, earned national recognition for leadership and innovation. She developed the annual national research institute counselor educators providing research education/mentorship. She held executive roles at UNLV (Nevada) and OSU (Oregon). She earned the CMU Women of Excellence Award (2016). Pehrsson served as an American Council on Education Leadership Fellow for the 2016-2017 academic year and visited over 66 universities and agencies during that time. Earlier, in her career, she served as Chief Operations Officer, Chief Nursing Officer and Executive Director of public/private organizations. She led a regional Life-Flight Maternal Transport program. Pehrsson, a NYC native, has worked and lived across America in rural and urban communities. She loves to read, write, hike, bike, garden and create. She and her husband Bob Pehrsson (Professor Emeritus) collaborate on many projects. They live with Damian Runyon, their rescue pup.