Alumna Spotlight: A families passion for education and Western Michigan University
"The professors I had were either retired or currently working in the field and that is invaluable. It prepared us for having real life experiences."
Not everyone plans to follow in their father’s footsteps, but for the Misner family, education runs deep. Dr. Paul Misner, former superintendent of Glencoe Public Schools in Illinois and professor at Western Michigan University, began a legacy carried forward by his son, Dr. Craig Misner (B.A. ’69, M.A. ’73, Ed.D. ’84), and grandson, Jason Misner (M.A. ’11).
Jason became superintendent of Parchment School District in 2018 at age 35 after serving as teacher, athletic director, and principal. He’s honored to lead the district his father once served, striving to provide equitable education for all students. “My father is a great man, a great father, and a great educator—in that order,” Jason said.
Craig’s career included leadership roles at Hopkins Public Schools, Parchment Public Schools, and KRESA, earning recognition as Region VII Superintendent of the Year. He later returned to WMU as an adjunct professor, sharing his experience with future leaders.
Like his father and grandfather, Jason attributes his preparation to WMU faculty mentors whose real-world experience continues to guide him. While the Misners’ story spans three generations of superintendents, Jason says the true family legacy is one of service: “What matters most is how you treat others and the impact you leave.”
Lisa Williams (M.A. '04)
Lisa Williams, an alumna of the program, serves as a high school principal and as a member of the WMU Board of Trustees.
Johnny Edwards (Ph.D. Student)
Johnny Edwards, a current Ph.D. student, serves as superintendent of Portage Public Schools, leading with a focus on equity, collaboration, and student success.
Jonathan Royce (Ed.S. student)
Jonathan Royce is an educational leadership specialist student and Superintendent of Onsted Community Schools.
Vee Murugan (Ph.D. Student)
Vee Murugan, a current Ph.D. student, currently works as a secondary curriculum specialist for Midland Public Schools.
"WMU professors’ sophisticated intellect, unbridled dedication to the field, and seemingly unending fountain of knowledge provided inspiration and motivation throughout the course of my study."
"The training, education, scholarship, and relationships I was exposed to at WMU have prepared and encouraged me to continue to move into spaces where my training, interests, and experiences can have an impact in the field of policy, education, and administration."
“I found the program to be well prepared for leadership upon completing my Masters program and I wanted to continue with that outstanding preparation. Also, this community of Kalamazoo has an appreciation and appetite for research and improvement and this aligns with my approach to education.”
The faculty have taught me the importance of always striving to learn and grow as an educator. The field of education is not stagnant and as an educational leader it is an obligation to continue to learn and grow."