The Washington Conference office of education is geared up for a summer of transitions.
Denise White, associate superintendent, after a year-long process accepted a position at Union College in Lincoln, Neb., as department of human development chairperson. White contributed innovative leadership for teacher development and mentoring.
Lon Gruesbeck, vice president for education, announced this spring that he would step down after 13 years of leading the department where he focused on "growing great schools." He will now lead a self-funded program through the Washington Conference to recruit international students.
Introducing New Leaders
Washington Conference invited Kelly Bock from Pacific Union Conference to serve as vice president for education. Bock brings a rich history of service in education as a boys' dean, principal and education superintendent on conference, union and division levels.
Bock has a business administration degree, a master's degree in education counseling, a specialty in education and a doctorate in educational administration. Bock is also an Auburn Adventist Academy (Wash.) graduate.
Bock's wife, Diane, and daughter, Kimberly, are nurses and another daughter, Kristen, is an x-ray technician. Bock's hobbies include sailing, hiking, swimming and cycling.
Additionally, Paulette Jackson, an educational leader from Idaho Conference, will be the new education associate. Jackson's 30 years of educational experience include serving as a principal, home economics teacher, librarian and education superintendent. Her specialties include education innovation, school reform and leadership training.
Jackson has an education degree from Walla Walla University (Wash.), a master's degree in educational media from Portland State University and is pursuing a doctorate in educational administration from Northcentral University.
Her interests include missions, travel and photography. Her family includes her husband, Bob, who runs a construction company, and two adult children, Greg and Shari.
Kelly Bock from Pacific Union Conference accepts Washington Conference's invitation to serve as vice president for education.
Paulette Jackson from Idaho Conference will be the new education associate for Washington Conference.
