New dean's advisory board unites alumni leaders

The Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions is proud to announce the recently launched inaugural Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board, bringing together alumni leaders and advocates to help shape the college’s future.

The board held its first meeting on October 2, gathering ahead of Central Michigan University’s Homecoming festivities to discuss opportunities, priorities and future initiatives that will support the continued growth and success of the college. Conversations focused on strengthening alumni engagement, enhancing student opportunities and advancing the college’s mission of preparing the next generation of health professionals.

“The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions Dean’s Advisory Board are an exceptional group of alumni who genuinely care about the success of our college, students, and faculty. Their insight and willingness to share their time and expertise will make a meaningful difference. I am grateful for their partnership and the many ways they will support us moving the College of Health Professions forward,” said Dean Jenn Simpson.

Meet the Advisory Board

Thomas Claringbold, D.O., M.S., F.A.O.C.O
Chief Opthamalogist, MyMichigan Health

2001, Sports Medicine

Dr. Thomas Claringbold is chief ophthalmologist for the MyMichigan Health system. His practice is located in Clare, Michigan. He completed his undergraduate education as a Sports Medicine major at Central Michigan University. He received his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2024, he obtained a Master’s degree in Global Health from Michigan State University and is an Assistant Professor in the Global Health Institute at MSU. He has been actively involved in promoting CMU’s College of Health Professions since its creation.

Padraic McMeel
CEO, Mt. Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

1994, Community Recreation & Park Administration and Sports Studies
2005, Physical Education Athletic Administration

Padraic McMeel is the President and CEO of the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Arts with a double major in Community Recreation and Sports Studies with a Minor in Athletic Coaching and a Masters of Arts in Physical Education in Athletic Administration from Central Michigan University.  Padraic worked in intercollegiate athletics for over 20 years at eleven institutions including serving as the Director of Athletics at four schools.

Dr. Brian Parr
Professor, Department of Exercise and Sports Science, University of South Carolina Aiken

1997, Exercise Science

Brian Parr, Ph.D., FACSM, is a professor in the Department of Exercise and Sports Science at the University of South Carolina Aiken where he teaches courses in exercise physiology, exercise testing, and clinical exercise physiology and mentors undergraduate student research.

He earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the University of Tennessee, an M.A. in Exercise Science from Central Michigan University, and a B.S. in Biology from Stonehill College.

Dr. Parr is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist.

Dr. Parr currently serves as a Vice-President of ACSM, on the Steering Committee of the National Physical Activity Plan, and as the Faculty Athletics Representative at USC Aiken.

Gary Russel
Retired, former U. S. Senate Chief of Staff

1966, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
1970, Educational Administration

Gary Russell is a longtime Central Michigan University alumnus and supporter with a deep connection to the university and its community. Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from CMU in 1966 and 1970, respectively. It was also at CMU that he met his wife, Barbara “Barb” Russell. Gary started his career as an educator and transitioned into leadership roles for several U.S. Senators, a Michigan Congressman, and the U.S. Department of State. Gary and his wife are lifetime advocates for CMU, with 6 endowed funds supporting many areas across campus. 

Dr. Linda Seestadt-Stanford
Retired, Former VP and Dean, Mary Baldwin University

1973, Communication Disorders
1974, Audiology

Linda Seestedt-Stanford is an academic leader and audiologist known for serving, most recently, as the founding Vice President and Dean of the Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences at Mary Baldwin University (MBU). Prior to that appointment she was the Founding Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Western Carolina University. In addition to leading these colleges in developing programs and maintaining excellence in teaching and learning, she helped design and provide oversight of the construction of state-of-the-art health sciences buildings at each institution. Dr. Seestedt-Stanford worked at CMU for thirty-two years, first serving as the Director of Clinical Instruction and Services in Audiology, then as the Founding Assistant Dean of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions.  As a part of her role in the Dean’s Office, she coordinated, with architects and faculty to design the health professions building. Dr. Seestedt-Stanford earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University and her Ph.D. from Michigan State University. She is retired and living in Churchville. VA and Sylva, NC with her husband Mark. She has been blessed with four wonderful grandchildren.

Marty Sytsema
Director Clinical Operations, Orthopedic Associates of Muskegon / i’move

1997, Physical Therapy

Marty completed his undergrad studies at Calvin College and then received his PT degree from Central Michigan University in its inaugural class in1997. He went on to complete a residency in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy at Gratiot Hospital in Alma, MI and was named a Fellow in the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists as a result. He received a second manual therapy certification (Certified Integrated Manual Therapist) through Great Lakes Seminars. 

Marty started and co-owned i’move physical therapy for 20 years, growing it to 9 clinics through West Michigan. i’move merged with Orthopedic Associates of Muskegon in 2025.

Marty has been teaching continuing education classes around the country with Great Lakes Seminars for the last 25 years and has been active with payment issues through the Michigan Physical Therapy Association.

Dr. Beth Taylor
Senior Advisor, McKinsey & Company 

2012, Health Administration

Dr. Beth Taylor currently serves as a Senior Advisor for McKinsey & Company and as Adjunct Faculty for the Doctor of Health Administration program at Central Michigan University.  She has 45 years of executive healthcare experience in private and federal health systems.  During her time as Assistant Undersecretary for Health/CNO for the US Department of Veterans Affairs, she led work on staffing models, national practice and license issues, and the caregiver support program. Dr. Taylor was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2021.