Central Michigan University Extends Griffin Endowed Chair Appointment

Central Michigan University has appointed Andrea LaFontaine to serve an additional year as the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government.

The endowment funds the salary and associated costs of a U.S. and Michigan government expert who serves as a faculty member in CMU's School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service. The Griffin Endowed Chair leads the university's efforts to stimulate the political conscience of students and scholars and to help prepare principled political leaders to serve Michigan in the future.

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to continue fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking among Griffin students,” said LaFontaine. “I have witnessed firsthand how this course empowers students with the ability to influence Michigan policy and politics. I could not think of a better time than the present to continue on this journey, and I look forward to an additional year of sharing the passion for Michigan’s politics and its legislative process.”

LaFontaine is the seventh person to hold the Griffin Endowed Chair position. She began her term in 2021.

Established in 2000 through private donations, the Griffin Endowment honors the service of esteemed CMU graduates the Honorable Robert P. Griffin (1923-2015) and Marjorie Anderson Griffin (1922-2017).

LaFontaine earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from CMU in 2009 and a Master of Public Administration degree from CMU in 2011. She previously served three consecutive terms in the state House of Representatives from 2010-2016 and served as the executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.