GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) -- Davenport University has selected North Park Montessori Principal Dan Morse and Ottawa Hills High School Social Studies Teacher Whitley Morse as the 2025 recipients of the College of Urban Education Alumni Award.
The award honors graduates of the Davenport University College of Urban Education who have shown outstanding professional accomplishments in a related field and who have demonstrated leadership in and dedication to the profession. The recipients are engaged in the vision and advancement of the College of Urban Education and its respective alumni community while exhibiting a commitment to public service.
Dan and Whitley represent a dynamic duo whose leadership and passion are making an impact every day at GRPS.
Dan, a proud GRPS graduate, began his career in the district as a teacher before moving into school leadership and eventually serving as principal of North Park Montessori.
Whitley also began her career teaching at GRPS, later gaining experience in school administration, before returning to the classroom at Ottawa Hills High School where she continues to inspire scholars every day. She was honored in 2024 as a GRPS Jean Hamilton Cope Teacher of the Year recipient.
"I am honored and grateful to accept the 2025 Davenport University Alumni of the Year award for the Urban Education program along with my forever partner," Whitley said. "As a teacher leader at Ottawa Hills, this recognition is especially meaningful. Throughout this journey, I learned more than I could have imagined in that very first cohort - from taking classes alongside GRPS teachers in GRPS buildings! Davenport met us where we were and together we worked through curriculum which was tailor-made to support the work we were doing and continue to do every single day."
"The experience not only strengthened my skills but also deepened my passion for creating meaningful learning experiences for our students," she said. "I am thankful for the professional network I’ve built along the way, for colleagues who challenge and inspire me, and for the unwavering belief that all students deserve opportunities to thrive, no matter their circumstances.
"I am honored to be among the 2025 Davenport University Alumni of the Year," Dan added. "The College of Urban Education and the coursework that we completed helped to prepare me for my role as Principal here at North Park Montessori and Grand Rapids Public Schools, emphasizing an individualized and caring approach that all children should experience, no matter their ZIP code."
"I was able to build a strong professional network through my work at Davenport and GRPS, surrounding myself with colleagues who have helped to support me through challenges, modeled what it means to care for our scholars, and also pushed me to think in different and more inclusive ways," he said.
The couple will be recognized during Davenport University’s Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, Oct. 11.
