GRPS Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal GRCC's 2019 Distinguished Alumna
Grand Rapids Community College surprised Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal by naming her its 2019 Distinguished Alumna during the 102nd commencement on Friday, where Neal was the event's keynote speaker.
"Teresa Weatherall Neal's journey to becoming the inspiring leader she is today started with GRPS and Grand Rapids Junior College," President Bill Pink said. "She is a role model for everyone graduating today and into the future. She is the perfect example of the impact a person can have on a community, and how a community college degree can provide the foundation for doing tremendous things."
Neal, who is retiring from GRPS this year, earned an Associate of Arts from what was then Grand Rapids Junior College before earning a bachelor's degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University, a master's degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University, and an honorary doctorate from GVSU. She is also a graduate of the Michigan Leadership Institute's Superintendent Leadership Academy.
Mrs. Weatherall Neal has been with Grand Rapids Public Schools since she was 4 years old, first as a K -12 student and then as a student worker, administrative assistant, coordinator of compliance, and assistant superintendent before rising to the role of superintendent in 2012.
Neal and the district gained state and national attention for the success of the GRPS Transformation Plan, which is increasing graduation rates and reducing chronic absenteeism.
The effort includes comprehensive professional development focused on equity and inclusion, innovative new school choices and building community partnerships.
Under Neal's leadership, GRPS enrollment increased for the first time in 20 years.
In her comments at GRCC's commencement, she told how she graduated Creston High in 1977, married and got a job – and was encouraged by her sister to continue her education at GRJC. She credits the faculty and staff for supporting her.
"I had so many fears that paralyzed me and stopped me from moving forward," she said. "But I realized I could do it. It lit a fire in me. And I was now on the journey and the road to change. It was ignited right here at Grand Rapids Community College. I was inspired. What I thought was impossible became my reality."
Neal said she learned how to find courage and dedication, and told graduates their degrees will come with great responsibility.
"For you, leadership is needed at this time. It doesn't matter whether you take leadership roles in our city, our state or across this nation,you've been prepared for it. You need to find your passion. Speak for people who cannot speak for themselves until they find their voice. When it is your turn to stand in the gap, don't shy away from it."
"I would like to stress the importance of Grand Rapids Community College as an option for students and for me, going back as an adult, it made it easier, because there were people there to remove barriers so I felt at home," said Superintendent Neal.
"It really gave me the inspiration to continue. The faculty, the entire GRCC community was very welcoming to a person like me and that was long ago. Dr. Pulliam and so many before her had created an environment where it was okay for adults to go back to school and I just thank the past presidents and current president for making students feel welcomed."
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