Mr. David Dugger - ECA Director

One of Michigan's most experienced educators in developing and managing middle college programs, David Dugger was involved with the Washtenaw Technical Middle College (WTMC) from its inception. During his service as the associate dean and principal of WTMC, it was recognized as one of the most innovative educational models for the 21st century by the United States Department of Education, Preparing America's Future: High School Initiative. And, he has served as a consultant with numerous community colleges interested in creating their own middle colleges.

He has also presented at many state and national conferences including the 2006 International Center for Leadership in Education National Model Schools Conference and the 2006 Bellwether Community College's Future Awards Conference.

Mr. Dugger has a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan with teaching certifications in Computer Science, Social Studies and Psychology. Additionally, he maintains an endorsement in special education (Emotional Impairment) and has worked as a special education teacher consultant for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD).

His experiences in developing partnerships with post-secondary institutions through his work at WTMC, the University of Copenhagen Denmark, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Washtenaw Community College, along with his educational background make him uniquely qualified to lead the Early College Alliance (ECA).

As the ECA Director, his duties include managing all aspects of daily operations from local school district and Eastern Michigan University liaison, to planning and development, to finance, marketing and communication. His work will also include community outreach and development of future ECA strands and programs through WISD and its ECA partners.

Dr. Pete Sutherland - Science Instructor

Dr. Sutherland’s background is in veterinary medicine and biology education. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, at Michigan State University in 1992, and later teaching certifications in Biology, Life Science and Broad Field Science from University of Wisconsin. Dr. Sutherland has also contributed to the larger field of science education as a science education researcher in Project FIRST (Field Involvement Research by Science Teachers), which brought together university research scientists, classroom teachers, and high school students in field research. He is the co–author a scientific journal manuscript titled “Using Field Research to Teach Scientific Method: The Case of Moldy Feed and Mycotoxins in Farm Animals” and “Teaching about Behavior with the Tobacco Hornworm” in which one of the laboratory activities presented is recognized as best practice model to teach teachers how to use insects in the classroom to instruct on animal behavior. In 1995 Dr. Sutherland was selected by the International Crane Foundation of Baraboo, Wisconsin to travel to far–east Russia in order to develop, implement and teach biology, animal husbandry, natural resources, agriculture, and environmental education curricula.

Mr. Keith Kellman - Mathematics Instuctor

Mr. Keith Kellman graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and in 1988 earned a Master's degree in Educational Psychology. He started his teaching career at St. Agatha High School in Redford Township. After four years he left and taught for one year at Focus Hope Machinist School in Detroit. Mr. Kellman has taught at Ypsilanti High School since 1984. He has experience teaching all levels of mathematics from pre-algebra to Calculus, as well as computer programming. He also taught AP Computer Science - the first AP course offered at Ypsilanti High. Mr. Kellman was instrumental in bringing the Core Plus math curriculum to Ypsilanti High. He served as a field test teacher during that time.

Ms. Wendy Benya - Science Instructor

Wendy Benya graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Aquatic Biology and Environmental Studies after spending four years in the Army as a Calibration Specialist. After finishing her undergraduate studies, she spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic working with the Department of Wildlife on a crocodile monitoring project. When she returned to the United States, she earned her Master's degree in Secondary Science Education from the University of Michigan in 1997. She worked for three years teaching science at Pershing High School in Detroit and then spent the last nine years teaching a variety of science courses at Milan High School. She is currently working on second Master's degree in Earth Systems Science from Michigan Tech University.

Ms. Gina Wilson - Mathematics Instructor

Gina Wilson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with Cum Laude honors in 1999. While at Cal Poly, she was inducted into Tau Beta Pi and Omega Chi Epsilon, the national engineering and chemical engineering honor societies, respectively. With her husband, she then moved to Michigan so that she could pursue graduate work at the University of Michigan. In 2001, while doing graduate research funded by a local pharmaceutical company, Ms. Wilson earned her Master's of Science degree in chemical engineering. Before leaving the University of Michigan, Ms. Wilson was instrumental in strengthening the Women in Engineering's outreach programs. These programs for middle and high school students include an edible car contest, a cardboard canoe contest, and other activities designed to orient the students to math, science, and engineering applications. She then pursued her educational training at Eastern Michigan University and obtained her Michigan Teaching Certification in math and science. Ms. Wilson comes to the ECA from Greenhills School, where she taught and redesigned the sixth grade math curriculum to include academically challenging, developmentally appropriate classes for all students.

Ms. Michelle Peet - English Instructor

Ms. Peet attended the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, earning a dual major Bachelor of Science Degree (English Language & Literature; Comprehensive Speech & Theatre Arts) in 1999 and a Masters Degree in Drama & Theatre for the Young in 2004. Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Peet enjoyed a successful career in business. As a teacher at Ypsilanti High School since 1999, Ms. Peet developed a world-class theatre program, earning top recognition from the American High School Theatre Festival and invitations to perform at the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, in 2007. Her 2007 adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream highlights her love of the written and spoken word. A dynamic, enthusiastic educator, Ms. Peet was named "Teacher of the Year" in 2006 by the University Musical Society and received the Ypsilanti Area Chamber of Commerce's prestigious E3 Award (Excellence in Educational Endeavors) in 2007. In addition to teaching and directing Drama, Theatre and Production courses at Y.H.S., she also taught English and Speech. Ms. Peet is also a voracious reader and accomplished editor. When she is not teaching or directing, Ms. Peet serves on the Teacher Advisory Committee and works on curriculum development with the University Musical Society, dances as much as possible, and enjoys hiking, travel, and watching water polo.

Mr. Randall Cooper - Technical Assistant

An Ohio native, Randall Cooper has been with Eastern Michigan University for 12 years. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with concentrations in Mathematics and Integrated Sciences as well as a Masters Degree in Middle Level Education with a concentration in Science.

Randall has work in a variety of capacities at Eastern Michigan University including the Office of Admissions, the Dean of Students Office and the Continuing Education Office. Randall teaches part-time for Washtenaw Community College teaching various introductory computer and Microsoft Office courses. He has also taught computer courses at the Bill Ford Family Service Learning Center in Dearborn as well as local manufacturing facilities. Most recently he has been working with the EMU Office of Admissions with adult and returning students as well as with transfer student services.

Randall has a wealth of experiences working with area middle and high school students. He has worked with the Eastern Scholars program at Eastern Michigan University which offers EMU courses, taught by EMU instructors at local high schools as well as the Summerquest program, a one and two week summer camp program held on EMU’s campus. Randall is an active member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), having attained the rank of Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor Member in his home council in Northwest Ohio. He served as a staff member and the Program Director at Camp Lakota/Neil Armstrong, a BSA residential outdoor education camp, in Defiance, OH for 5 years.

Randall’s experiences and relationships with Eastern Michigan University, along with his educational background make him a valuable resource to the Early College Alliance and to Eastern Michigan University.

His duties as the ECA Technical Assistant will include assisting the ECA Director with daily operations and working with EMU staff and personnel, the partner districts and communities as an advocate and resource.