Teri Behrens, Ph.D.

Dr. Teresa (Teri) Behrens is the executive director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University. Previously, Dr. Behrens served as director of the Institute for Foundation and Donor Learning. The Institute for Foundation and Donor Learning provides professional development resources for donors, foundation staff and those who work with them to implement programs. The Institute includes The Grantmaking School (in-person and online workshops), LearnPhilanthropy (a web-based portal to professional development resources) and The Foundation Review (the peer-reviewed journal of philanthropy).

Behrens is also the editor in chief for The Foundation Review, the peer-reviewed journal on philanthropy published quarterly by the Johnson Center. The Foundation Review is written by and for foundation staff and boards as well as those who work with them to implement programs.

Behrens joined the Johnson Center in January 2009. She previously served as the director of evaluation for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, providing leadership for the Foundation’s overall evaluation program. From 1995–2001, Behrens consulted in program planning and evaluation for organizations such as the National Science Foundation-supported Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers. From 1990–1995, she was a program officer for the Michigan Strategic Fund for the Michigan Department of Commerce.

Behrens holds a doctorate in psychology from North Carolina State University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and English from Case Western Reserve University.