Models of Community-Based Learning Centers

Crossroads Academy, Plymouth, Marshall County

Gregory A. Renz, Executive Director of Crossroads Academy

Greg was raised in Plymouth and graduated from Indiana University with a major in accounting in 1980. He began his career in Indianapolis with the Big 8 accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand. After several years in public accounting, Greg held various controllership positions in Indiana, Florida, California, and Georgia. In 1987, Greg moved back to Plymouth and became chief financial officer for Gibson Insurance Agency located in Plymouth and South Bend, Indiana. In early 2000, Greg joined a start-up high tech company that was sold to Intel Corporation in 2001. Greg left Intel to open up Crossroads Academy in July, 2001. Greg has been married for 17 years to his wife Mercy. He has four children ranging in age from 15 to 9. Greg is involved in a number of community organizations and enjoys golfing as his hobby.

Ralph Booker, Marshall County Cooperative Extension Service Director

After graduating from Purdue with a degree in Agricultural Economics in 1971, Ralph Booker took a position in 1973 as 4-H and Youth Development Agent in Parke County, increasing 4-H membership and initiating new programs for the county. He then brought his 4-H and Youth Development skills to Brown County's Cooperative Extension, where he also built a new fairgrounds and a county park. While in Brown County, Booker completed his Master's of Public Affairs through Indiana University. Since 1988, has served Marshall County as its County Extension Director, with responsibility for eight staff members. He has developed computerized farm record-keeping workshops, chairs the geographical information systems project for Marshall County, and not least of all, has helped county officials and local citizens develop Crossroads Academy. His interests lie in committee work through his church, running, farming, gardening, and computers.