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Leadership Lessons and Networking: Alumni invited to Fireside Chat

Jackson College alumni are invited to a special evening of conversation and connection at the JC Alumni and GVSU Fireside Chat, happening Thursday, Nov. 20.

Hear from Dr. Daniel Phelan, President of Jackson College, and Dr. Kara Van Dam, Vice President and Chief Executive of GVSU Omni, as they share their unique journeys of leadership and the lessons learned along the way. Be inspired as Dr. Phelan and Dr. Van Dam reflect on their path to leadership and the value of partnerships in business, followed by a moderated Q & A designed to spark insight, encouragement and connection.

Details

  • Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025; 4-6 p.m.; Jets Hangar, Jackson College
  • • 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Refreshments and networking
  • • 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Introduction & Conversation with Dr. Phelan and Dr. Van Dam

o Leadership Journeys: Successes and Lessons Learned

o Partnerships in business; the value of networking and mentorship

o Q&A

• 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. | Networking and closing

To register, please click here.

About Our Speakers

Dr. Daniel Phelan has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson College since 2001. He established the College’s guiding philosophy, Total Commitment to Student Success (TCS2), and is a nationally recognized author and speaker. Dr. Phelan serves on several national boards, including CCCSE, Phi Theta Kappa, and the League for Innovation. Locally, he chairs the Henry Ford Jackson Hospital Board and serves on the Henry Ford Health System Board. He holds a Ph.D. from Iowa State University and multiple leadership awards.

Dr. Kara Van Dam leads GVSU Omni and oversees several areas at the university including adult and continuing studies, the career center, executive education and enterprise partnerships, and regional campuses including the center at Jackson College. She earned both a doctorate and master’s degree in linguistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received a master’s degree in business administration from Kaplan University and a bachelor of general studies in French and linguistics from the University of Michigan.