GVSU Education Programs News
Educational Leadership and Counselling (ELC) Faculty Share Inclusive Communication Strategies at GVSU's Inaugural CommCon Conference
August 13, 2026
Rick Vandermolen, associate professor, and Cathy Meyer-Looze, unit head and professor in Grand Valley State University's Educational Leadership and Counseling (ELC) department, presented at the inaugural GVSU CommCon Conference on June 17, sharing practical strategies for helping leaders become more intentional and inclusive communicators.
Their presentation, Reaching and Resonating with Diverse Audiences: Inclusive Communication Through the Process Communication Model (PCM), explored how people perceive the world differently and how those differences influence communication, relationships, leadership and collaboration. Through an introduction to the six personality perspectives within the Process Communication Model, participants learned how personality-based perceptual filters shape understanding, engagement and trust, while gaining practical strategies for adapting messages to better connect with diverse audiences.
For Vandermolen and Meyer-Looze, presenting at CommCon was both rewarding and energizing.
"It was a privilege to partner with a colleague who shares my passion for helping people become more intentional communicators and more effective leaders," they shared. "The conference created an environment where faculty and staff came together with a genuine desire to learn from one another, and the level of engagement during and after our session made it clear that communication is a topic that resonates across disciplines and roles."
Their presentation was inspired by a shared belief that communication is one of the most important leadership skills. Throughout their careers, they have found that many misunderstandings stem not from poor intentions, but from assuming others think and communicate the same way.
"The Process Communication Model provides a practical framework that helps people better understand themselves, recognize others' needs and intentionally adjust their communication to build trust, strengthen relationships and enhance leadership effectiveness," they said. "We wanted participants to leave with tools they could immediately apply in their classrooms, departments and everyday interactions."
One of the conference’s highlights came after the presentation, when conversations continued beyond the session itself. Attendees reflected on their own communication styles, shared personal experiences and discussed ways to apply the concepts to their work with students and colleagues.
"Those conversations reinforced that meaningful professional learning happens when people not only gain new knowledge but also discover practical ways to implement it with others," Vandermolen and Meyer-Looze said.
The presenters also appreciated that CommCon focused entirely on communication, emphasizing its role as the foundation of effective teaching, leadership, collaboration and inclusion.
"Participating in the inaugural CommCon and being part of that broader conversation was an honor," they said. "We hope it marks the beginning of a lasting tradition at GVSU."