Derrick R. Coleman, EdD Named 2022 Graduate Commencement Speaker

One of Gwynedd Mercy University's own, River Rouge School District Superintendent Derrick R. Coleman, EdD, will deliver the keynote address at the 2022 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 14.

"Dr. Derrick R. Coleman, a Gwynedd Mercy alumnus and visionary leader in education, is a great example of the values we instill in our students and the epitome of a Griffin success story," said Gwynedd Mercy University President Deanne H. D'Emilio, JD. "We are thankful that he will bestow his wisdom on the Class of 2022."

Under Dr. Coleman's leadership, the River Rouge School District recovered from looming insolvency and reversed statewide enrollment trends. The district is now a magnet for families seeking quality programming in traditionally underserved urban communities. Dr. Coleman has cultivated a trauma-sensitive and healing environment to develop healthy children and create solutions that were previously unavailable for school districts in areas of poverty, and previously served as a regional superintendent in the Detroit Public Schools District.

Dr. Coleman holds a Doctorate in Education from Gwynedd Mercy University, and both a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from Eastern Michigan University, where he serves on the foundation board.