Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder announced Friday the reappointment of Eastern Michigan University President Susan Martin to the Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors.
Harbored within the Michigan Department of Treasury, the nine-person commission works as an advisory board for the Michigan Education Savings Program.
Martin has been the president of EMU since 2008. She previously served as provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of Michigan–Dearborn.
Martin also held positions at Grand Valley State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in public speaking at Central Michigan University. She also earned a Master of Business Administration and a doctorate degree in accounting, both from Michigan State University.
“I’m excited to serve,” Martin said. “The seat I’ve been appointed to represents all four-year public universities, and I have a long history with Michigan Education Trust because I worked at Treasury during the period when the Michigan Education Trust was established. Back in 1986, the law was passed and the first contracts were issued in 1988.”
Martin said she has a long affection for the program. She also said the program is a great way for parents, grandparents and family members to fund their children’s future education at public universities. She said the program has been a great success and she’s excited to continue being affiliated with it.
Also appointed to the board by Snyder was Robert Ferrentino, president of Montcalm Community College. According to a press release, Ferrentino held various leadership positions with MCC, including vice president for academic affairs, dean of instruction and dean of occupational programs.
The release also said Ferrentino has served as the management and marketing program director and as director of marketing services at Lansing Community College.
Ferrentino attended Illinois University and has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a Master of Business Administration. He received a degree at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Ferrentino will represent presidents of community colleges.
“I appreciate the willingness of Robert and Susan to serve in these roles,” Snyder said in a statement.
The appointees will serve three-year terms that expire Dec. 31, 2015, and their appointments are subject to the advice and agreement of the state Senate.
