Executive Leadership Team
Executive Leadership Team
Glen Oaks Community College’s Executive Leadership Team provides strategic direction and operational leadership in support of the College’s mission to empower learners and strengthen our region. Each leader oversees a core area of the College and works collaboratively to ensure student success, fiscal responsibility, and institutional excellence.
Meet the Team
The Executive Leadership Team includes the President and senior leaders responsible for academics, student services, finance, operations, and institutional advancement.
Dr. Bryan Newton
President
Dr. Bryan Newton is the ninth president of Glen Oaks Community College and began his
tenure on July 1, 2024. Bryan has a deep passion for community colleges and has served
in administrative positions for over 23 years. Bryan previously served as Vice President
for Enrollment Management and Student Services at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury,
Maryland. Before coming to Wor-Wic, Bryan served as Vice President for Enrollment
Management and Student Experience at Aiken Technical College in Aiken, South Carolina,
as Assistant Vice Provost for Admissions and Enrollment Management at Ivy Tech Community
College – Central Administration in Indianapolis, Indiana, and as Vice Chancellor
for Student Affairs at Ivy Tech Community College in Bloomington, Indiana.
Bryan holds a Ph.D. in education and human resource studies from Colorado State University,
a juris doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Law, and a bachelor’s
degree in history from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Bryan has community
college work experience in enrollment management, fundraising, human resources, legislative
advocacy, marketing, political advocacy, and student services.
Bryan is deeply community-minded and serves on numerous boards at the local, state,
and national levels. Locally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph
County United Way and serves on the Board of St. Joseph County EDGE, the county’s
economic development organization. At the state level, he is a Board Member of the
Michigan Community College Association, where he was recently elected to the Legislative
Committee. Nationally, Bryan serves on the Board of Directors of the Community College
Alliance for Agricultural Advancement (C2A3) and on the Rural and Small Colleges Commission
of the American Association of Community Colleges, where he provides a strong voice
for rural-serving institutions. He also brings extensive past leadership experience
as Chair of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore and Chair of Shore Leadership
in Maryland. In addition, he has held influential professional roles, including serving
as Chair of the Maryland Chief Student Affairs Officers Group (2018–2020), Legislative
Liaison for the group (2018–2024), and nearly two decades on the Editorial Board of
College & University Journal (2004–2022).
Bryan resides at the Nora Hagen House on the Glen Oaks Community College campus. He
is an avid reader and loves to travel to the Caribbean, Europe, and Mexico.
Dr. Adam L. Cloutier
Vice President of Academics
Dr. Adam L. Cloutier serves as vice president of academics at Glen Oaks Community College, where he provides strategic leadership for the College’s academic programs, faculty, workforce development, academic components of dual enrollment, institutional effectiveness, accreditation and student learning initiatives. Since joining Glen Oaks in 2022, he has led efforts to strengthen academic quality, expand workforce and transfer pathways, enhance community partnerships and prepare the College to address the evolving educational and workforce needs of southwest Michigan.
With more than two decades of experience in higher education, Cloutier has served as a faculty member, director, dean and chief academic officer. Throughout his career, he has focused on improving student success through innovative academic programming, competency-based education, guided pathways, workforce development, faculty excellence and partnerships with K–12 schools, universities, employers and community organizations.
Cloutier is an experienced peer reviewer and team chair for the Higher Learning Commission and serves on its Institutional Actions Council. He has led accreditation and strategic planning initiatives, secured grant funding to expand educational opportunities and developed programs that increase college access, strengthen transfer pathways and align education with regional workforce needs.
A first-generation college graduate, Cloutier earned an Associate of Science from Delta College before completing a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mathematics at Michigan State University. He later earned a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University.
Cloutier is passionate about the transformative mission of community colleges and believes they provide powerful opportunities to improve lives through accessible, affordable and high-quality education. He is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement that empowers students, faculty, staff and community partners to thrive.
Outside of work, Cloutier enjoys spending time with his wife, Erin, and their three daughters. He also enjoys fishing, camping, biking, gardening and working on projects around the house. The Cloutier family shares its home with several cats, dogs, chickens and a rabbit, ensuring there is never a dull moment.
Tonya Howden
Vice President of Student Services
Tonya Howden serves as vice president of student services at Glen Oaks Community College, where she provides strategic leadership for the College’s student support services and enrollment functions. With more than 30 years of experience in education, she is committed to advancing student success, access and completion through innovative programming and collaborative leadership.
Howden began her career at Glen Oaks as director of admissions and has since served as assistant dean of students, dean of students and vice president of student services. In her current role, she provides leadership for Admissions, Early/Middle College, Dual Enrollment, Advising and Counseling, Registration and Records, Financial Aid, Student Housing, Athletics, Student Activities, Campus Life, Student Conduct and TRIO Student Support Services. She has also secured multiple grants designed to remove barriers and support students throughout their educational journey, from enrollment through graduation.
An active leader in higher education, Howden has served in numerous local and statewide professional organizations, including nine years on the Executive Board of the Michigan Community College Student Services Association. She has presented at state and national conferences on topics including student success, co-curricular learning outcomes, early college programs, housing and residential life and emerging issues in higher education.
Before transitioning to higher education administration, Howden taught secondary English and communications in Kansas for 12 years, an experience that continues to shape her student-centered leadership philosophy.
Howden earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Science in Education with a specialization in enrollment management from Capella University.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, watching sports and spending time at the lake with her husband, Kevin, and their two sons, Logan and Landon.
Dr. Tracy Labadie
Vice President of Finance and Administration
Dr. Tracy Labadie serves as vice president of finance and administration at Glen Oaks Community College, where she provides executive leadership for the College’s business operations, facilities, information technology, institutional effectiveness and strategic initiatives. Since joining Glen Oaks in 2025, she has led efforts to strengthen financial stewardship, modernize operational processes, advance strategic planning and oversee major capital improvement projects that support the College’s long-term mission and student success.
Labadie brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education and accounting, with expertise in strategic planning, accreditation, institutional effectiveness, governance, budgeting, compliance and organizational improvement. Before joining Glen Oaks, she served as associate vice president of collaboration, compliance and analytics and chief of staff at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She also served as board professional to the president and Board of Trustees, providing leadership for board governance, accreditation and regulatory compliance, institutional research, grant administration and collegewide strategic initiatives.
Earlier in her career, Labadie served as dean of instruction for business, industrial trades and public service at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and as assistant dean of academic affairs at Lansing Community College. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation for bringing people together to solve complex challenges, aligning resources with institutional priorities and translating strategic goals into measurable results.
A strong advocate for professional growth and leadership development, Labadie has supported mentoring and leadership initiatives throughout her career. Her work has included facilitating workshops for the Michigan ACE Women’s Network and spearheading the development of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s annual Women of Influence leadership event.
She holds a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University, a Master of Applied Science in Accountancy from Western Michigan University, and bachelor’s and associate degrees in accounting from Davenport University.
Jamie Bennett-Yesh
Executive Director of Human Resources
Jamie Bennett-Yesh serves as executive director of human resources at Glen Oaks Community College, providing leadership for employee recruitment, benefits, employee relations, performance management and professional development. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she works collaboratively with College leaders to strengthen workplace culture, support employees and advance the institution’s mission and strategic priorities.
A Glen Oaks alumna, Bennett-Yesh understands firsthand the opportunities community colleges provide for working adults and other nontraditional students. She earned an associate degree in business from Glen Oaks while working and attending classes online and in the evenings. She later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Robert B. Miller College.
Before returning to Glen Oaks as a human resources professional, Bennett-Yesh gained experience in information technology, business management and human resources, including several years with Ascension Borgess Hospital. Her varied professional background has shaped her practical, people-centered approach to problem-solving and organizational leadership.
Bennett-Yesh is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive environment for employees and students. She serves as co-chair of the College’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, is involved with the American Association for Women in Community Colleges at Glen Oaks and is a certified Moral Courage mentor. She is also a member of the Michigan Community College Association’s 2025–26 Leadership Academy cohort.
Outside of work, Jamie enjoys spending time with her husband of 22 years, their two teenagers, both of whom plan to attend Glen Oaks, and their orange cat. A lifelong learner, she enjoys reading, creating Zentangle-inspired artwork and traveling, especially internationally, to experience new cultures and broaden her perspective.
Denise DeVries
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Denise DeVries serves as executive director of communications and marketing at Glen Oaks Community College, where she leads the College’s branding, marketing, public relations and internal and external communications. She oversees strategic marketing campaigns, digital communications, media relations, the College website, social media and promotional materials. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she works across the College to support enrollment, student success, community engagement and institutional priorities.
DeVries brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, communications and organizational leadership. Before joining Glen Oaks, she served as senior manager of marketing and communications for Special-Lite, Inc., where she led communications and marketing initiatives for the commercial building-products manufacturer. Her experience in both higher education and the private sector has shaped her practical, collaborative and results-focused approach to communications.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University and is a graduate of the Michigan Community College Association Leadership Academy.
DeVries is committed to making information clear, accessible and meaningful for students, employees and the communities Glen Oaks serves. She is particularly interested in how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can improve communication, strengthen institutional effectiveness and help prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce.
Outside of work, Denise enjoys a variety of outdoor activities including biking and kayaking. She is an avid college hockey fan and enjoys watching sports. At home, she enjoys the company of her cats Gus and Obi and her daughter, Kyra.
Andrew Wingard
Executive Director of the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation
Andrew Wingard serves as executive director of the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation, where he leads fundraising, donor engagement and philanthropic initiatives that support student scholarships, emergency assistance, academic programs and campus priorities. He oversees Foundation operations, including fundraising campaigns, scholarship programs and capital projects, and works closely with the Foundation Board, College leadership, alumni, donors and community partners to advance the mission of Glen Oaks.
Wingard brings more than eight years of experience in higher education advancement, student development and athletic programming. Before joining Glen Oaks, he served as a development officer at James Madison University, where he managed major-gift portfolios and supported initiatives related to scholarships, leadership and student life. He previously served as director of athletics and student-athlete development at Delta College.
His career also includes serving as associate director of development at Michigan State University and as a development officer, adjunct faculty member and athletics administrator at Youngstown State University. Earlier in his career, he held positions in athletics sales and development at Tulane University, Texas Tech University, Vanderbilt University and Western Kentucky University.
Wingard earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in general business from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master of Science in sports administration with a concentration in intercollegiate athletic administration from Western Kentucky University.
A former community college student-athlete, Wingard is passionate about helping students translate their educational and personal experiences into lifelong success. He is the author of After the Buzzer: Transitioning Your Sports Skills to Life, which explores how lessons learned through athletics can be applied to education, careers and personal growth.
Wingard is committed to building meaningful relationships and connecting alumni, donors and community partners with opportunities to make a lasting difference. Through his leadership, he works to expand educational opportunities, strengthen the Foundation’s impact and align philanthropic support with the College’s strategic priorities and the needs of the communities Glen Oaks serves.
Diane Zinsmaster
Executive Associate to the President
Related Offices and Resources
For additional information or assistance, the following offices may be helpful: