GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Two local superintendents will receive honorary doctorate degrees from Ferris State University this weekend.
Teresa Weatherall Neal, superintendent at Grand Rapids Public Schools, will get an honorary degree from FSU's College of Arts and Sciences. Michael Shibler, superintendent at Rockford Public Schools, will receive his degree from FSU's College of Business.
Weatherall Neal, who plans to retire on July 1, has 44 years of service and experience with GRPS and spent the last seven years as superintendent.
“I have very mixed feelings about retirement as it comes closer,” Weatherall Neal said. “I am excited for the future, but it is still hard, because I am committed to the students of GRPS and working to give them every chance to learn and succeed.”
Shibler arrived to RPS in 1989 and has led the 8,000-student district to a 98-percent graduation rate, Blue Ribbon Exemplary School rankings and various state, regional and national accolades for their music and athletic programs.
Rockford students are also able to earn academic credits for general education classes at FSU or another school through the Woodbridge Ferris Early College Program.
“I promised myself to fight to keep my idealism, to succeed in helping others to learn and achieve and not allow that ideal to be challenged by outside influences,” Shibler said. “I believe I have been able to keep that promise. It drives me to continue to work, as long as I am physically and mentally able.”
Also receiving an honorary degree is Ferris State alumnus Tim Murphy, the former deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Weatherall Neal will receive her degree on Friday, May 10, during the commencement ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences.
Shibler will get his degree on Saturday, May 11, during the commencement ceremony for students of the College of Business.
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