Dr. Ryan J. White brings a unique blend of academic depth, varied experiences and practical wisdom to leadership development. As Associate Dean for Leadership Development at Hope College, Ryan has spent over a decade creating transformative experiences that help people discover their authentic selves and live into their calling. He has led teams and programs critical to the college's academic program, is a regular instructor in Hope's Leadership program and a sought-after expert facilitator and speaker.

Ryan's approach is both intellectually engaging and deeply human. He creates spaces where leaders can be honest about their struggles, celebrate their strengths and explore new possibilities. His facilitation style blends thoughtful content, reflective practices and genuine conversation—always with an eye toward helping participants connect with what matters most.  An accomplished educator, athletic coach, faith leader and facilitator, Ryan holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology from USC, and understands the dynamics of bringing out the best in organizations, teams and individuals.  He is married to Heidi, and they have four children.

Matthew A. Scogin is the 14th president of Hope College, assuming office on July 1, 2019. Before becoming president, Scogin had a distinguished career in both the corporate and government sectors. He served as chief administrative officer at Perella Weinberg Partners in New York City and held senior positions at the New York Stock Exchange and the U.S. Treasury Department. His leadership at the NYSE involved guiding the company through significant change and at the Treasury Department, he advised on economic and financial policy. 

A champion for reform in higher education, Scogin introduced the Hope Forward initiative, a bold vision to provide fully-funded tuition by creating a sustainable, pay-it-forward funding model based on generosity and gratitude. He is a 2002 graduate of Hope College and holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University and has been actively involved with Hope College since graduation, including serving on the Board of Trustees. He is married to Sarah, also a Hope graduate, and they have three children.

Becky Schmidt brings exceptional leadership experience as both a national championship volleyball coach and innovative educator at Hope College. As head volleyball coach and associate professor of kinesiology, Becky has built a championship program known for its transformative team culture and excellence both on and off the court. Her 2014 NCAA Division III National Championship, and four trips to the final four, represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement, though her greatest pride lies in developing leaders who make lasting impact.

Becky’s expertise extends beyond athletics into human-centered design and organizational development. She leads workshops that challenge participants to develop innovative solutions for complex problems, blending her understanding of team dynamics with cutting-edge design thinking. As a published author of Volleyball: Steps to Success and other works, she brings proven methodologies for creating environments where individuals discover their potential and teams achieve extraordinary results together. Becky holds a master’s degree in sport studies from Miami University. She is married to Dave, and they have a son named Cooper.

Dr. Lauren Berkshire Hearit is an associate professor of management at Hope College, where she teaches marketing and management theory in the Department of Economics & Business. A 2025 recipient of the Hope Outstanding Professor Educator Award, Lauren is known for her highly relational, student-centered approach to teaching — creating classroom environments where students are known and their questions are honored. In recent years, she has explored how organizations make values-driven decisions, working to infuse that framework into her courses.

Lauren's research examines how economic expectations shape investor and consumer behavior, and how external communication influences those expectations — particularly during times of economic crisis. Beyond the classroom, she consults with small and midsize organizations and serves as incoming vice president of the board of trustees at Community Action House. She is also active with the Bay View Association of the United Methodist Church in Petoskey, Michigan, where she has served in various leadership roles over the past decade.

Lauren holds a Ph.D. in organizational communication from Purdue University. She is married to Fritz, and they share their home with Leo, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever they rescued in 2025.