MILWAUKEE – An Iron Mountain woman was among the graduates attending the Cardinal Stritch University’s 2014-15 commencement ceremony held at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee on May 17.

Glady Van Harpen received a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in leadership for the advancement of learning and service. Her dissertation, “Connecting to Learn: A Mixed Methods Study of Professional Learning for Secondary School Leaders in Small Districts and Rural Areas,” was successfully defended before doctoral committee members Dr. Mette Baran, chair; Dr. Darnell J. Bradley; and Dr. Neila A. Connors; in December 2014.

Dr. Van Harpen is the president of Learning and Leading Connections Inc., which provides leadership consulting and professional learning for individuals and organizations.

She is an associate/facilitator with Leadership Management International (LMI), offering training in organization development and effective personal productivity.

Van Harpen lives with her husband, John Nienstaedt, in Iron Mountain.