Our Team.

Valerie Garr, University of Iowa 

Founder & Past-President

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A native of Davenport, lowa, and alumnus of Davenport Central High School (class of ‘79 & Hall of Honor Inductee '22). Valerie Garr, M.A., CDE° is the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Coordinator of Supplemental Instruction & Tutoring for the University of lowa's College of Nursing, where she also advises the Multicultural Nursing Association and co-chairs the college's Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Committee. Garr has been employed by the University of lowa for 35 years in a variety of roles including UI's first Director of Diversity Relations & Outreach.

Ryan Saddler, St. Ambrose University 

QCMP President 

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Ryan Saddler currently serves as St. Ambrose University's inaugural Associate Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  Saddler graduated from St. Ambrose in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology. He added a Master of Education degree with a Postsecondary Disability Services emphasis from St. Ambrose in 2006 and has worked at the university in multiple roles since 1995.

 

Since Saddler’s 1996 employment began at St. Ambrose, He has served at the university in multiple roles such as Black Student Union Advisor, Office of Multicultural Affairs Director, Assistant Football Coach, Assistant & Head Track and Field coach, Chair and Co-Chair of the Diversity Work Group, and NAACP Student Chapter Advisor. Along with serving on numerous campus committees, Saddler has classroom and advising experience. He was also the December 2020 Commencement Speaker for St. Ambrose University. Saddler has presented locally and nationally on various topics such as career outcome expectancies and exploration intentions of students with disabilities, disability law for higher education institutions and how our Worldview effects how we see the World and multiple diversity, equity and inclusion topics.

 

Saddler has also represented the University through a number of professional and community boards and networks. Along with currently serving as a founding member and President of the Quad City Minority Partnership, Inc. (2006); he served ten consecutive years in various capacities including president for ILLOWA AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability); is the Founder and CEO of the Friends of MLK, Inc.;  and Founder of the Quad City Empowerment Network. 

 

"I'm happy to serve on the QCMP Board because I love the impact we have on today's youth and I love the individuals on this team who sacrifice so much to ensure minority youth from the Quad Cities have the knowledge to take the necessary actions to achieve their highest academic success." – Saddler – 2023 

Eric Rowell, Augustana College 

QCMP Vice President 

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"I joined the QCMP more than ten years ago because I wanted to contribute to the matriculation of students of color in the Quad Cities into college.  I believe furthering one's education creates greater opportunities for self-fulfillment both personally and professionally.  I also desired to assist students in their understanding of options regarding higher education or the job market so that they are prepared for a bright future."

Karen Roebuck 

QCMP Treasurer 

Brandy Poston, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges 

QCMP Secretary

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Brandy Poston is the Advanced Manufacturing Program Manager at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. She specializes in relationship building and is responsible for ensuring that the team of trainers and educators understand the training needs of the businesses they serve. Brandy is a huge proponent of equity and inclusion and seeks to work alongside others with a similar mission. She is especially grateful for the work of QCMP and hopes to add value and voice in support of their mission.