CMU Board of Trustees approves new appointments to the CMURC board

CMU Board of Trustees approves new appointments to the CMURC board

Appointments underscore importance of Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich., June 30, 2022 — Central Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of four new members to the Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC) Board of Directors.

CMU Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Shawna Patterson-Stephens, CMU Dean of College of Science and Engineering David Ford, Hemlock Semiconductor Community and Diversity Liaison Raquel Ledesma Perez, and PNC Bank Community Development Specialist Dwayne Powell Jr. will be the newest members to join the board. The appointments share extensive experience working closely with leaders and community stakeholders, while executing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives to create equitable experiences and opportunities.

“For the last couple of years, the CMURC team has worked to benchmark the current baseline of our community entrepreneurs and has made great outreach to create an inclusive environment for success,” said CMURC President + CEO Erin Strang. “The background, skill and vision of our new board members are exactly what we need to continue our efforts to create a level playing for all in the Great Lakes Bay Region.”

As CMURC continues to evolve its Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative, the appointments reflect its interest in gaining new perspectives from leaders across the region. Currently, the organization is focusing on its Entrepreneur Like ME programming, where quarterly Impact Days are held to have open conversations about equitable opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The next Impact Day will be held on Aug. 25 at CMURC Midland and is open to the community.

“This initiative aligns with Central Michigan University’s strategic goal to foster a more inclusive economic ecosystem in our region,” said CMU President Bob Davies, chairperson of the CMURC Board of Directors. “I look forward to collaborating with these new directors as we pursue this vital work.”

CMU Board of Trustee Richard K. Studley, and Private Sector Director Jeff Stoutenburg will also be reappointed to the board.

Upon the adoption of this resolution, the CMU directors will be:President Robert O. Davies, Trustee Richard Studley, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services Nicholas Long, Associate Vice President Toby Roth, Vice President David Weindorf, Vice President Shawna Patterson- Stephens, Dean David Ford, and Director Julie Messing. The private sector directors will be: Raymond Gunn, Felicia Harris, William Kimbell, Raquel Ledesma Perez, Dwayne Powell, Jr., Jeff Stoutenburg, and Dan Ward.

Those interested in learning more about CMURC’s Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative can do so by visiting cmurc.com.

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About CMURC

CMURC is a professional and diverse coworking space with accelerator programs focused on product and strategic development for entrepreneurs to positively impact the economy in the Great Lakes Bay Region. It brings together local, regional and statewide partners to accelerate the success of entrepreneurs, professionals, and corporations growing businesses and jobs by leveraging the resources of Central Michigan University, the Mount Pleasant SmartZone District and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. CMURC is committed to inclusive entrepreneurship with the ultimate goal of closing the opportunity gap because people from all backgrounds deserve access to business and entrepreneurial resources.