Educational leadership alum named Caribbean Community Superintendent

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A Western Michigan University alum has been selected as the next U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity's Caribbean Community superintendent. Dr. Andrew Rynberg, a graduate of the College of Education and Human Development's educational leadership program, will focus on prioritizing students' social, emotional, and intellectual growth and guide them toward success.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), it is the umbrella organization that unites efforts to provide quality educational opportunities and services to military dependents around the globe. DoDEA plans, directs, coordinates and manages the education programs for dependents who would otherwise not have access to a high-quality public education. They operate 160 accredited schools in 8 districts located in 11 foreign countries, 7 states, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Prior to joining Caribbean Community, Rynberg served as the assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for the School District of Indian River County in Florida. As assistant superintendent, he oversaw 26 schools, 1,200 teachers and 18,000 students. Simultaneously he collaborated with Michigan State University's Office of K-12 Outreach, actively supporting the instructional and leadership needs of hundreds of schools.

Rynberg's career includes service in the Air Force and roles at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. He later transitioned to educational leadership as a community superintendent. As superintendent, he guided the DoDEA for Europe East in Denmark, and Europe West in the United Kingdom. 

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AT WMU

Due to the increasingly complex tasks including research and data analysis within all types of educational institutions, there is a demand for strong, transformational leaders. Applying theory to practice is an overall theme for the Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership, with the case-study approach to learning used extensively. In addition, a very integrated "professional inquiry, research, and dissertation core" has been developed to assist you in adding to your higher education knowledge base. Visit the program overview page to learn more.

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