Central Michigan University Alumni Board welcomes six new members

The Central Michigan University Alumni Board of Directors has appointed six new members to its ranks. Their service began with the Homecoming board meeting in October.

The new members are:

• Melissa DeJesus, '01, '09 M.A.
• Lizzie Dilg, '22
• Jonathan B. Glenn, '06, '11 M.A., '23 Ed.D.
• LaMarcus Howard, '09, M.A. '12
• Richard Studley, M.S.A. '93
• Abby Watteny, '02

Linda Leahy, Darryl Shelton, Jaclyn Goforth, Anthony Lazarro and Christine Simon recently completed their board service, opening up seats for new members.

The alumni board represents the interests of all CMU alumni by providing meaningful opportunities and connections for maintaining involvement with and commitment to Central Michigan University.

“CMU’s Alumni Engagement Team is an effective and mighty staff, but they’re smaller for a university of our size. With all the activities planned each year, they can’t be everywhere,” said Scott Nadeau, ’89, alumni board president. “Having a motivated group of volunteers helps ease some of their workload, have CMU representation in more places, and reach more alumni.”

Nadeau said having a periodic infusion of new board members who represent the diversity of the university’s alumni helps the CMU Alumni Association thrive.

“We are always so excited to welcome a new cohort of alumni to our board,” said Marcie Otteman, executive director of alumni relations. “These folks have always found ways to give back to Central even before joining the alumni board, and we’re grateful for their willingness to continue to support CMU.”

The Alumni Association Board of Directors fills board vacancies by appointment, seeking people who are dedicated to serving and engaging with alumni, and have a track record of volunteering for CMU or in their community.  To be eligible for consideration, nominees must have a degree from CMU and must also be or become a Gold Member of the Alumni Association. Appointees serve a three-year term and may be eligible to serve up to three additional, consecutive terms. The number of vacant seats each year varies based on returning board members and expiring terms.

If you are interested in being considered for CMU Alumni Board service,  or volunteering with CMU in another way, you can fill out the interest form here.

About the new alumni board members

Melissa DeJesus, ’01, ’09 M.A., is a third grade teacher at Allen Elementary School in Ann Arbor. In addition to her CMU Alumni Board service, she is an Allen Elementary School Equity Team Facilitator, a core team member of Ann Arbor School Parents Intent on Racial Equity (AASPIRE), and a union rep for the Ann Arbor Education Association. She lives in Dexter. Her advice to current or prospective CMU students: “Get involved on campus to meet new people and build your leadership skills.”

Lizzie Dilg, ’22, is the executive director of the Mount Pleasant Discovery Museum. In addition to her CMU Alumni Board service, the recent graduate held internships with Special Olympics Michigan and WCMU Public Media as an undergrad. She lives in Mount Pleasant. Her advice to current or prospective CMU students: “Join RSOs that interest you and seek out leadership positions!”

Jonathan B. Glenn, ’06, ’11 M.A., '23 Ed.D., is the director of diversity and inclusion and the Title IX deputy coordinator for Alma College. In addition to his CMU Alumni Board service, he is a member of the CMU Powwow Committee, he is the CMU football team’s chaplain and character coach, and he sits on the NCAA Women’s Enhancement Scholarship Committee. Jonathan lives in Alma. His advice to current or prospective CMU students: “Lean on your mentors for wisdom and guidance when you seem lost or uncertain.”

LaMarcus Howard, ’09, ’12 M.A., is the assistant vice chancellor for student affairs, student health and wellness at North Carolina Central University. In addition to his CMU Alumni Board service, he belongs to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), and the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). He lives in Durham, N.C. His advice to current or prospective CMU students: “Whatever comfort zone you believe you have, toss it out the window and treat every day in your campus community as if it’s your last.”

Richard Studley, ’93 M.S.A., is the former president and CEO of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. In addition to his CMU Alumni Board service, he served on the CMU Board of Trustees from 2015-2022 and was the board chair for two years. He lives in Grand Ledge. His advice to current or prospective CMU students: “Don’t let other people’s expectations about who you are or what you can achieve determine your future. Take advantage of the unique opportunities at CMU to be the best version of yourself!”