February 10, 2026
Education leaders Johnson, Ellspermann bringing their expertise to Ferris State Doctorate of Community College Leadership Advisory Board
Michigan education advocate Brandy Johnson and higher education leader Sue Ellspermann will help guide Ferris State University’s Doctorate in Community College Leadership program by joining its advisory board.
A national advisory board of recognized community college leaders guides the program, as many of the members serve as faculty and guest lecturers.
Dr. Sylvia Jenkins, DCCL Advisory Board chair and president emerita of Moraine Valley Community College in Illinois, knows the addition of the new members adds new perspectives to the program.
“The addition of these two new members strengthens the DCCL National Advisory Board by expanding the depth, diversity, and relevance of expertise guiding program,” Jenkins said. “It is especially exciting to welcome board members whose combined insights will enhance DCCL’s ability to respond to emerging challenges, innovate program offerings, and remain closely aligned with the needs of the students it serves.”
Ellspermann recently retired as president of Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, which is the nation’s largest statewide, singly accredited community college. From 2012 to 2016, she served with Gov. Mike Pence as Indiana’s 50th lieutenant governor. She was first elected in 2010 as District 74 State Representative.
Previously, Ellspermann served as the University of Southern Indiana’s Founding Director of the Center for Applied Research and Economic Development. She also operated Ellspermann and Associates, Inc., which focused on creative problem solving and strategic planning consulting. Early in her career, she held IE positions at GM, Michelin and Frito-Lay. She earned a BS in Industrial Engineering from Purdue and MSIE and doctorate from the University of Louisville.
Ellspermann serves on several corporate boards including OneAmerica Financial, German American Bank, Strada Education Foundation, and OFS. She also serves on the Applied Research Institute, Center for Leadership Development, and Midstates Corridor RDA boards and the Sisters of St. Benedict Executive Advisory Committee.
Johnson has been president of Michigan Community College Association since December 2021.
Prior to this role, she served as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's education policy advisor and then as a manager of the Office of Sixty by 30 within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. In 2010, Johnson founded the Michigan College Access Network and served as its executive director until 2019.
She also served as policy fellow and college access coordinator under Governor Jennifer Granholm. She began her career as a Teach for America Corps Member and third grade teacher in Las Vegas.
Johnson was appointed by Whitmer to represent Michigan on the Midwest Higher Education Compact and served on Gov. Rick Snyder’s 21st Century Education Commission.
She has been recognized for her leadership and advocacy by the Michigan Association of School Administrators, National College Access Network, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, as well as by the Michigan College Access Network.
She currently serves on the boards of the Michigan After School Partnership, Michigan Virtual, and the National Postsecondary Strategy Institute.
Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Arizona State University and her master’s degree in Public Policy from the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.
“Together, Johnson and Ellspermann reinforce the board’s role as a strategic partner in advancing DCCL’s and Ferris State’s mission and ensuring the program continues to grow with intention, impact, and national relevance,” Jenkins said.