Madison Reporter

The Madison College District Board of Trustees has announced four finalists to succeed former President Jack E. Daniels III, who retired in January. The board selected these candidates after restarting the search process last October when a finalist withdrew.

The first candidate, Dr. Jennifer Berne, is currently the Provost at Oakland Community College in Michigan. Her career began as a community college faculty member and department chair, followed by roles at various institutions including Northern Illinois University and Harper College. She holds multiple degrees including a PhD from Michigan State University and will soon complete her MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Dr. Tim Casper, another finalist, has been serving as the Interim President of Madison College since January 2025. He joined Madison College in 2011 and held various leadership roles before being named Executive Vice President of Student Affairs in August 2020. His academic credentials include a doctorate in educational leadership from Edgewood College.

Dr. Dawn B. Crim is also among the finalists and serves as Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Community Engagement, and Inclusivity at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Her experience includes positions such as Secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and Associate Dean for the School of Education at UW-Madison.

The final candidate is Dr. Charles W. Lepper, who is President of Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan since 2023. His previous roles include VP positions at Salt Lake Community College and Tidewater Community College among others.

Candidate forums are scheduled for March where students, faculty, staff, stakeholders, and the public can meet these candidates during community events across all Madison College campuses.

"The board is pleased with these exceptional candidates motivated to lead Madison College into the future," said Donald Dantzler Jr., Chair of the Board of Trustees. "We are confident that through this robust vetting process, Madison College’s next president will possess the leadership skills and vision necessary to fulfill our extraordinary mission."

Madison College serves over 27,000 students across its campuses located throughout its 12-county district offering secondary education options alongside professional development opportunities.

Questions regarding this presidential search can be directed to Donald Dantzler Jr., via email at search@madisoncollege.edu.