About the Conference​

The TRENDS Conference is designed by faculty and staff who are passionate about career and technical college education. This event serves as a mechanism for community college professionals and stakeholders to share best practices in teaching and learning, educational modalities, equipment and facilities, working with industry partners, program outcomes, experiential learning, student access, recruitment, and success, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and many more! It is funded by the Michigan Occupational Deans Administrative Council and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workforce Development. It takes multiple individuals, from a variety of educational backgrounds, to make this conference succeed. Here’s a little more information about them.

Interested in Becoming a Committee Member?

Interested in participating as a Trends Conference committee member?
Let us know!

MODAC

The purpose of Michigan Occupational Deans Administrative Council is to promote and support community college education for the state of Michigan.

MACET

The mission of the Michigan Association of Continuing Education and Training is to lead the transformation and integration of workforce development, economic development, continuing education, and community services in Michigan. 

MOSPA

The purpose of MOSPA is to inform members of the requirements of the Perkins legislation and assist in its implementation at the local level to ensure that the needs of the special population student are well served at the secondary and postsecondary levels. In addition, a goal of the organization and the state conference is to enhance the professional development of educators and paraprofessionals working with special population students.

MCCA

The Michigan Community College Association is the unified voice for Michigan’s community colleges, empowering members to lead in the areas of student success, talent development, and community vitality.

2026 Trends in Occupational
Studies Planning Committee

Kyrsten Rue
Kyrsten Rue

Washtenaw Community College

Daniel Rinsema-Sybenga
Daniel Rinsema-Sybenga

Muskegon Community College

Mark Dunneback​
Mark Dunneback​

Kalamazoo Valley Community College​

Lisa Radak
Lisa Radak

Grand Rapids Community College

Shawn Troy
Shawn Troy

Mid Michigan College

Beau Everitt
Beau Everitt

Oakland Community College

Virginia Zimmerman
Virginia Zimmerman

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

Nolan Lienhart
Nolan Lienhart

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

Lisa Gatti-Arnold
Lisa Gatti-Arnold

Muskegon Community College

Christina Steele
Christina Steele

Glen Oaks Community College

Irene Church
Irene Church

Muskegon Community College

Patrick Mach

Macomb Community College

Mary Moore

North Central Community College

Sophia Rishar
Sophia Rishar

Edge Partnerships

Tiffany Hall
Tiffany Hall

Edge Partnerships