Join Questa Education Foundation for a dynamic luncheon and conversation exploring how evolving K–12 and college pathways are transforming the preparation, skills, and career readiness of our region’s future workforce.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hosted at STAR Financial Bank
Hear forward-looking insights from regional education leaders, including Kent DeKoninck, Superintendent of Southwest Allen County Schools, and Rob Pepper, President of Huntington University. Their perspectives will be followed by a moderated discussion with employers about what these education shifts mean for talent strategy, partnerships, and long-term workforce development.
This convening brings together business leaders, educators, and community partners to explore how we can collectively prepare and connect the next generation of talent in Northeast Indiana.
Seats are limited and registration is required.
About Our Guest Speakers:
Dr. Robert “Rob” Pepper serves as the 14th president of Huntington University, where he leads with a deep commitment to Christ-centered leadership, student success, and thoughtful strategic planning.
Dr. Pepper earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Messiah College, a Master of Science degree in counseling: college student development from Shippensburg University, and a PhD in organizational leadership from Regent University. Across more than three decades in Christian higher education, his work has consistently focused on developing people, strengthening institutional culture, and guiding organizations through purposeful growth.
His professional passion centers on leadership development, student flourishing, and strategic innovation that advances mission. Throughout his career, he has invested in mentoring emerging leaders, creating environments where students thrive academically and spiritually, and helping institutions align vision with action in sustainable ways.
In addition to his role at Huntington University, he serves on the board of AgriNovus in Indianapolis and chairs the board of Lenawee Christian Ministries in Adrian, Michigan.
Dr. Pepper and his wife, Kristin, enjoy hosting students and members of the HU community at the Bangs Memorial House. They have three adult children.
Dr. Kent DeKoninck currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for Southwest Allen County Schools (SACS). During the 2024-25 school year, Dr. DeKoninck came out of retirement to serve as SACS superintendent. Dr. DeKoninck retired in June 2021 after serving eight years as superintendent for the Greenwood Community School Corporation and 33 years overall in public education. Prior to Greenwood, Dr. DeKoninck was an associate superintendent in the Avon Community School Corporation and human resources director in Perry Township Schools. Dr. DeKoninck also served as a middle school principal in Carmel-Clay Schools and Perry Township Schools. He started his administrative career in Westfield-Washington Schools as a guidance director and assistant high school principal.
In 2020, Dr. DeKoninck was honored to be named Indiana’s 2021 Superintendent of the Year by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents. Dr. DeKoninck considers this honor in representing the state of Indiana a testament to what happens when a school board, superintendent, and school community all work together for one common goal - the success of students.
Dr. DeKoninck earned undergraduate degrees in finance and social studies education from IPFW, a master’s degree in school counseling from IUPUI, and his Ed.S. and Ph.D. from Indiana State University.
Upon retirement from public education, Dr. DeKoninck relocated to Fort Wayne to get back to his childhood roots and be nearer his extended family after spending much of his career in the Indianapolis area.
Dr. DeKoninck has been married to his wife Amanda for 36 years. His immediate family also includes daughter Hillary (Patrick), daughter Morgan (Garrett) and five grandchildren.