Mae Ola Dunklin

Mae Ola Dunklin graduated from Grambling State University in 1970, with a B.S. in elementary education. In 1972, she moved to Albion, Michigan and began her teaching career at Harrington Elementary School. While teaching, she continued her education and earned a Masters of Arts in 1977, from Western Michigan University.

Dunklin has been very active in the community. Dunklin taught from 1972-1996. In 1996, she became the principal of Harrington Elementary School and served until 2002. During her tenure in the school system, Dunklin was an advocate for students and education excellence.

After retiring, she joined Albion College’s Education Department as an adjunct professor and supervisor of student teaching. In 2003, Dunklin became the Director of the Fritz Shurmur Center for Teacher Development (formerly Fritz Shurmur Education Institute). Dunklin was instrumental in developing the Maymester Experience (a pre-student teaching experience preparing prospective teachers for student teaching) which is an integral part of the teacher certification program. Dunklin retired from Albion College in 2010. She has been a trustee for two years.

She has always been active in the Albion community. She serves on the Albion Sister City Committee/Noisy-le-roi, France Partnership. She is an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Albion Branch (NAACP) and serves as Assistant Secretary and Chair of the Education Committee. Dunklin is an active member of Albion Philanthropic Woman (supporting non-profit groups). She is a board member of the Kids “N” Stuff Children’s Interactive Museum Board and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Psi Kappa Omega (a charter member serving Albion and Battle Creek). She previously served as a trustee of Albion Community Foundation and Albion City Planning Commission.

Dunklin has been a supporter of Albion College since she started her teaching tenure in 1973. Her classroom doors were always opened as an opportunity for college students to receive hands-on experiences.

Dunklin lives in Albion, Michigan with her husband. They both are supporters of the College and community.