Berryman talks about ‘Taking the Next Step’ at AC convocation
Posted Monday, September 08, 2025
Author: Mickey Alvarado
Former Michigan state senator and Adrian mayor Jim Berryman gave a speech titled “Taking the Next Step” at Adrian College’s Opening Convocation in the Dr. James Borland Convocation Series on Wednesday, Sept. 4, in Herrick Chapel. Faculty members were also recognized and honored with teaching awards.
Berryman has taken many steps in his career. He served as director of the Michigan Education Association from 2000 to 2013 and was knighted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella in 2018 for his work with Italian Americans in Lenawee County.
For the past six years, Berryman has overseen the annual Christmas tree display in Comstock Park.
He graduated from Adrian College in 1969 and has served on its board of trustees since 2020.
“Beyond his time in public office, Mr. Berryman has remained deeply committed to education, economic development, and civic leadership,” said Andrea Milner, Adrian College vice president and dean of academics, when introducing the guest speaker. “He is widely respected not only for his professional accomplishments, but also for his integrity, vision, and ability to inspire others.”
“Whether it’s prayer or critical thinking, both must embrace action to move forward,” Berryman told the students during his speech. He used Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking as an example of having a vision that came to fruition by using action.
“In the past 20 years, every existing building on campus has been renovated, and or new facilities have been built,” Berryman said. “Without that individual acting on his vision, there would be no state-of-the-art classroom, no Arrington Ice Arena, no Craft Tennis Complex, no Nicolay Baseball Field, and certainly no 160,000 square foot dome siting on campus.”
Berryman said others had to also believe in Docking’s vision for contributions to those efforts.
“All of the renovations I’ve talked about in new facilities needed individuals to step up and make contributions,” Berryman said. “These contributions were made because they believe in what Adrian College was accomplishing. Most of all, they contributed because they have been and continue to be impressed with the quality of students that come to Adrian College.”
Berryman concluded a vision is just that unless put into action. “Like a line of dominoes falling, one has to take the first step,” he said.
He ended his speech by making a wish.
“My wish for Adrian College for the Classes of 2026 to 2029 is that your life be filled with opportunities that will allow you to take that first step,” Berryman said. “Remember, you’ll never get where you want to go until you take that first step.”
During the convocation, new faculty were welcomed, and faculty who were promoted or tenured were honored.
New faculty members introduced were Anthony Knopps, political science, and Rocky Lo, psychology.
Faculty promoted to associate professor were Bryan Bott, humanities, and Jeffrey Murphy, exercise science and athletic training.
Christy Mesaros-Winckles, communication arts and sciences, was promoted to full professor.
Milner presented the teaching awards. The first, the Ross Newsom Award for Outstanding Teaching, went to Yasser Alginahi, professor of computer science.
Alginahi has taught in Adrian College’s computer science department since 2020. He earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Wright State University and a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. He also holds a university teaching certificate from the University of Windsor.
The Exemplary Teaching Excellence Award went to Keith Christy, associate professor of sports management.
Christy has been with Adrian College for 14 years. He holds a bachelor of science degree in education from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree in kinesiology and sport psychology from Michigan State University, and a doctorate in sport and exercise management from The Ohio State University.
Adrian College’s Creative Activity, Research and Scholarship Award honors significant contributions to a faculty member’s field of study. This year’s recipient is Travis Erxleben.
Erxleben joined the Adrian College in 2016. He is an assistant professor of art, chair of the art and design department, and director of the Adrian College Institute for Innovation and Creativity. Erxleben earned a Master of Fine Arts from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2016. To date, he has curated more than 25 art exhibitions at Adrian College.
Named to the faculty Hall of Fame were Tina Claiborne, professor of athletic training, and Vanessa Morrison, professor of teacher education.
Claiborne earned a bachelor of science degree in Athletic Training at Ithaca College, and her master’s degree and doctorate in clinical kinesiology and biomechanics from the University of Toledo. She joined Adrian College’s faculty in 2007. Claiborne is a professor in Adrian College’s exercise science and athletic training department, director of the graduate athletic training program, and director of the Institute for Sports Medicine. Under her leadership, the department launched the college’s first accredited bachelor’s degree in athletic training. She and her colleagues also introduced Michigan’s first accredited professional master’s degree program in athletic training, which was Adrian College’s first graduate degree.
Last year, Claiborne developed Michigan’s first degree in tactical strength and conditioning.
Morrison has been a faculty member at Adrian College since 2007. She is a professor of teacher education and chair of the department. She earned a doctorate in reading and language arts education from Oakland University. She also holds a master’s degree in teaching, a teaching certification and a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Michigan.
Morrison teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy, early childhood education and curriculum development. She received Adrian College’s Excellence in Teaching Award for her classroom work and was honored as the college’s winter commencement speaker that same year.
Beyond teaching, Morrison has served as department chair, graduate coordinator and placement coordinator, where she has shaped teacher preparation programs, supervised student teachers and collaborated with state and national education organizations.
Morrison’s scholarship focuses on literacy, teacher preparation and integrated STEM education. She has co-authored books, curriculum frameworks and journal articles, and has presented her research at national and regional conferences.
To watch Adrian College’s Opening Convocation, visit Adrian College TV (ACTV) on YouTube.
