MSOL contributes to exceptional military career
 The Geneva M.S. in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program is grounded in the beliefs that leadership occurs at all levels; is ethical and motivating; is more than position or power; embraces service; and can be enhanced through intensive study and application. Founded in 1996, the MSOL program has consistently produced leaders in all types of organizations. Not only do MSOL students discover their potential to become leaders, the experience helps sharpen existing leadership skills. Colonel Grey Berrier II, M.S. '98 is a prime example.
Colonel Berrier serves as Deputy Commander/Administrative Officer of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, PA Army National Guard. Grey is married to Mary Berrier, who is also a Geneva MSOL graduate.
Grey began his military career in August 1981 when he enrolled in Army ROTC at Penn State University. He received a Regular Army Commission as a Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery in May 1985. From that point on, Grey served in various locations and capacities around the world. After serving as the Western PA Recruiting Area Commander for the PA Army Reserve National Guard (PAARNG), he returned to the 1st Battalion, 107th Field Artillery in New Castle to serve as the Battalion Executive Officer.
As a commanding officer, Grey was expected to further his education. As he began to research Pittsburgh colleges and universities, he considered an MBA graduate degree. He prayed for God to lead him to the school that would best meet his needs. An advertisement on KDKA radio described the Geneva College MSOL program's focus on the development of leadership, ethics, communication and decision making-leadership skills Grey implemented daily in his military life. Grey knew his prayer had been answered.
Grey enrolled in the MSOL program and joined Cohort 4 in October 1996. According to Grey, the MSOL cohort model and curriculum fit his learning style perfectly. In class, cohort discussions and fresh perspectives brought greater clarity to course concepts and theories. Grey says the mentor model was an added value for him, because it was strongly aligned with his experience in the military. Grey admits, however, than when response papers were due, he needed help a little help with typing. Enter Mary Berrier. As Mary helped type Grey's papers, she was exposed to the MSOL curriculum, and in 2002 she enrolled. Mary graduated in 2004 with Cohort 34.
In December 2008, Lt. Col. Grey Berrier became Colonel Berrier, and in 2010, he returned to Western PA as the Deputy Commander/full-time Administrative Officer of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT). Although he recently received an offer from the U.S. Government as a liaison with FEMA, Grey has other plans. Motivated by the research he completed while an MSOL student, his next steps involve a venture into entrepreneurship. When asked what that plan is, however, he says he is holding his plans very "close to the vest." Grey will be the first to say that all things happen according to God's timing.
On November 12, 2012, Geneva College hosted a Veterans Day Breakfast honoring Geneva active servicemen and women among the students, faculty, staff and alumni. Colonel Berrier served as the keynote speaker for the event, referring to the MSOL's impact upon his military, personal and spiritual life. He shared a theory on leadership that he developed during his time in the program: "Whether one is in a leader or a follower position, success depends on three principles-honesty, hard work and common sense. Effective leadership is transformational, which benefits both the leader and follower, as opposed to transactional, which is top-down and does not value relationships." These principles have contributed to Grey's exceptional military career and will continue to guide him. Grey closed the program by expressing a sincere appreciation for the Geneva motto: "Pro Christo et Patria" (for Christ and country).
Colonel Berrier is the recipient of numerous military awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Medal, the Overseas Service Medal and the Pennsylvania Distinguished Service Medal.
Grey and his wife Mary reside in Pulaski, Lawrence County, PA. They have three children, Grey III, Shannon and Faith.
A Word From Dr. Dittmar
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A Video Message from Dr. Dittmar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ7isJtRy0c&feature=youtu.be
Jim Dittmar, Ph.D., Chair
Department of Leadership Studies
Geneva College
Geneva MSOL - Celebrating 17 years of developing leaders who serve.
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