Saginaw ISD - Serve - Innovate - Empower

Dr. Katherine Ellison, Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), and acting member of the Hemlock Public School District’s Board of Education, has been selected to serve on Saginaw Intermediate School District’s Board of Education effective February 10, 2021.

Dr. Ellison received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Master of Arts in History Degree from Central Michigan University. In 2013, she received a Doctorate Degree in History, with a concentration in 20th Century U.S. Political/Supreme Court studies, from Western Michigan University.

As Director of OLLI at SVSU, Dr. Ellison facilitates community enrichment opportunities and coordinates educational programs, travel, and events for its 50-years-and-older participant members living throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. Prior to this position, Dr. Ellison was an OLLI instructor and has held a variety of adjunct faculty and teaching positions at several colleges and universities since beginning her professional career in 2002.

Dr. Ellison has been an elected school board member at Hemlock Public School District since 2015. She is an established lecturer, conference presenter, and credited author in publications. During her time as a board member in Hemlock, she earned Michigan Board Member Certification while also supporting new strategic planning and policy initiatives including the implementation of a one-to-one K-12 Chromebook program and the construction of a brand new state-of-the-art STEM center for community use by robotic teams.

Dr. Donald Killingbeck, Superintendent of Hemlock Public School District, said, “With a wealth of public educational service, Dr. Ellison makes an excellent addition to the Saginaw Intermediate School District Board of Education. She is open-minded, seeks fair and equitable opportunities for all children, and will be an asset to students, educators, schools, and constituents throughout Saginaw County.”

“Saginaw County is fortunate to have Dr. Katherine Ellison join our incredible organization, and I am eager to welcome her to our board of education” stated Jeffrey Collier, Superintendent of Saginaw Intermediate School District. He added, “Dr. Ellison’s experience, network, and focus on servant leadership further strengthens the foundation of our school board in alignment with our ISD’s vision and mission to serve, innovate, and empower.”