Page 7 - 2021 CEHD Graduate Commencement Program

Joan T.A. Gabel
Joan T.A. Gabel is the 17th president of the University of Minnesota, overseeing the nation’s 6th largest University, including over 68,000 students, 27,000 faculty/ staff, and an overall $4.2 billion budget. She stewarded the University’s new systemwide strategic plan, MPact 2025, emphasizing student success, innovation, equity, and fiscal stewardship. Under her leadership, the University surpassed
$1 billion in annual research expenditures; elevated into the top one percent
of patent-producing universities; achieved a record-setting year in private philanthropy; deepened its work to build a more equitable and just community; and initiated an innovative approach to keep students, faculty, and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Heather Mueller
As Minnesota’s Education Commissioner, Heather Mueller, EdD, heads an agency of more than 450 employees, charged with the mission of improving educational achievement for children from pre-K through grade 12, adult education, and library services. Mueller works closely with Governor Tim Walz to promote a wide variety of education policies and initiatives focused on closing the achievement gap, supporting high-quality teaching, using innovative strategies to improve educational outcomes, and ensuring all students graduate from high school well- prepared for college, career, and life. Prior to her appointment as commissioner, Mueller served as the department’s senior director of teaching and learning, assistant commissioner, and deputy commissioner. Mueller started her career at Mankato Area Public Schools in August 1997, teaching social studies. During her time at Mankato, she worked as a continuous improvement coach, professional development coordinator, and the director of teaching and learning. She earned her doctor of education in leadership degree from St. Mary’s University. She earned her specialist and K-12 administrative license, master’s degree in educational leadership, and bachelor’s degree in social studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Kendall J. Powell
Ken Powell is the former chairman and chief executive officer of General Mills, where he served in a variety of positions since 1979. Powell spent more than a third of his career overseas. He serves on the board of directors for Medtronic, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, and Partners in Food Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping start-up food companies in Africa. Powell received a bachelor of arts degree in biology from Harvard and an MBA from Stanford University. Powell lives in Golden Valley and his wife and two adult daughters all are proud to have degrees from the University of Minnesota.
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