Giving back through leadership and service

The Central Michigan University Alumni Board of Directors has appointed five new members to its ranks:

• Jacob Anglebrandt, ’15, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (Social Science), ’19 Graduate Studies (Human Resource Administration)
• Kelly Beattie, '13, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (History)
• Kyah Courter, '12, College of the Arts and Media (Integrative Public Relations), ’17 M.A. (Communication)
• Kayla Hinton, '17, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (Neuroscience, Spanish)
• Jeff O’Bryan, ’95, College of the Arts and Media (Journalism)

The alumni board advocates for the interests of all CMU graduates by fostering meaningful connections and opportunities that encourage lifelong engagement with Central Michigan University.

"I look forward to meeting more CMU alumni, celebrating how our time at Central shaped our futures, and working together to help the next generation of graduates live their own best lives,” Beattie said.

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.  

"Our board continues to grow because alumni are willing to step forward and invest their time and talents," said Erica Romac, '13, alumni board president. "I'm excited to welcome our newest members and know they'll bring fresh ideas, new perspectives and a shared commitment to keeping our alumni community connected and Fired Up."

"Our alumni board is strongest when it's made up of passionate leaders who care deeply about Central Michigan University," said Marcie Otteman, deputy chief of alumni relations and constituent engagement. "Each of our newest board members have a deep connection to CMU and a passion for giving back. Their leadership will help us continue to create meaningful opportunities for alumni to stay engaged."

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 the CMU Alumni Board or volunteering with CMU in another way, you can fill out the interest form.

About the new alumni board members

Jacob Anglebrandt, ’15 B.S. (Social Science), ’19 M.S.A. (Human Resource Administration), is a corporate recruiter at Auto-Owners Insurance and lives in Flushing, MI. Outside of work, he is involved in the Michigan Career Educator and Employer Alliance (MCEEA). Anglebrandt’s favorite spots on campus include the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house and Kelly/Shorts Stadium. His advice to current or prospective CMU students is: “Your network is your wealth after college. So, spend your time at CMU getting involved on campus, getting out of your comfort zone, and meeting as many people as possible to grow your network.”

Kelly Beattie, ’13 B.S. (History), is a Grand Haven, MI, native who works as a development manager for Camp Blodgett, a year‑round youth development organization that provides recreational and educational experiences to children who cannot otherwise afford them. Beattie is a member of the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance's Fund Development and Volunteer Management learning circles and serves on the Grand Rapids Symphony's Education and Engagement Committee. His favorite CMU memory is learning how to cook with his roommate.

Kyah Courter, ’12 B.A.A. (Integrative Public Relations), ’17 M.A. (Communication), is a major gifts officer at the University of Michigan. The Van Buren Twp., MI, native says her favorite spot on campus is Kelly/Shorts Stadium on a brisk, fall day. Courter’s favorite CMU memory was serving as Leadership Safari guide. Her advice to current or prospective students is: “Get involved, make friends who don’t look, talk or act like you, stay open to the unfamiliar and infuse your experience with as much joyful discomfort as you can. This is where you get to start becoming who you’re meant to be.”

Kayla Hinton, ’17 B.S. (Neuroscience, Spanish), lives in Southfield, MI, and works as a family medicine physician at Plum Health Direct Primary Care. She is a member of the American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO). Hinton says her favorite spot on campus is the Student Activity Center. “It always has something fun to do, and it was my first introduction to CMU when I was growing up,” she said. “I would attend swimming lessons and summer/sports camps there often. This was one of the first places where my love for CMU was born.” Hinton’s favorite CMU memory was her study abroad program in Spain.

Jeff O’Bryan, ’95 B.S. (Journalism), is an insurance account executive at Vredevoogd-Brummel Risk Management & Insurance. The Grand Rapids, MI, native says his favorite spot on campus is Kelly/Shorts Stadium and his favorite CMU memory was the football team beating MSU in 1991 and 1992. His advice to current or prospective students is: “Seek out new experiences.  Meet new people.  Your time at CMU will go by faster than you think.  Say yes to opportunities that push you beyond your comfort zone.”