Led by the District Board of Trustees and President Dr. Jennifer Berne, Madison College continues its proud tradition of providing open access to quality higher education that fosters lifelong learning and student success for our diverse communities.

Dr. Jennifer Berne standing next to Madison College shield logo wall
Dr. Berne in the Truax Campus building

A Message from Dr. Berne

Hello, Madison College community:

I’m honored to lead an institution whose impact I’ve admired for years. With seven campuses across our 12-county district, Madison College is a critical access point and partner in bringing education and opportunity to every corner of our region.

Through access and support, Madison College focuses on student completion, ensuring our students leave with meaningful credentials that lead to employment or a four-year degree. When students graduate, employers gain the talent they need, families thrive, and communities grow stronger and more vibrant.

This is why Madison College is committed to strengthening connections among education, industry, government, and community partners across our region. Together, we are preparing the workforce of tomorrow, expanding opportunity, and helping drive economic transformation throughout the communities we serve.

Thank you for being part of Madison College and for supporting our shared mission. I look forward to continuing our collective work. 

Dr. Jennifer Berne 
President, Madison College

About Dr. Jennifer Berne

Dr. Jennifer Berne became the ninth Madison College president on July 1, 2025. Her 30-year career in higher education includes classroom and administrative experiences as a professor, researcher, department chair, dean, vice president of academic affairs, and provost.

Dr. Jennifer Berne, Madison College president, in a grey blazer with a slight smile, dark background.
Dr. Jennifer Berne

She began her career at Oakland Community College, teaching English and English as a Second Language. She went on to hold research and teaching positions at Oakland University and National Louis University as well as increasingly responsible leadership roles at Northern Illinois University, Harper College, and Berkshire Community College. In 2018, she completed the Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship for community college leaders.

Most recently, she served as the provost for Oakland Community College in Michigan.

She has authored or co-authored five books on literacy education as well as written and consulted on best practices in the teaching of writing. To maintain a close connection to the classroom and her discipline, she continues to teach in higher education.

Dr. Berne holds a doctorate in teacher education from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in English from Northeastern University, and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Michigan. She graduated with her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business in May 2025.

She and her husband, also an educator, have four children.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to connect with Dr. Berne or schedule a visit, please contact the President’s Office at president@madisoncollege.edu. We welcome your questions and ideas and look forward to meeting with you.