GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Gerald Rudolph Ford, who grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was the longest living U.S. president at 93. A former Michigan congressman and vice president, Ford became the 38th U.S. president on August 9, 1974, after Richard Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal.
The following experts from Grand Valley State University in Michigan are available to comment on the life and legacy of President Gerald R. Ford.
MEDIA NOTE: The university is currently closed. The following numbers given are private phone numbers.
Gleaves Whitney, (616) 460-7955, director of the Hauenstein Center
for Presidential Studies
Whitney is a presidential historian and
author who served under former Michigan Gov. John Engler for 11 years
as chief historian and speech writer. He conducted extensive
interviews with President Ford and has written about Ford's
experiences in Washington. Whitney served as a commentator for major
television networks at the time of Ronald Reagan's death and funeral.
Erika King, (616) 245-1470, professor of political science
King
has been interviewed by television reporters and major newspaper
reporters across the state and country including The New York Times.
She is an expert on campaigns and elections, public opinion, American
politics and media and politics.
Don Zinman, C: (512) 415-4348, assistant professor of political
science
Zinman is an expert on American presidents, political
parties and American political history. He can also speak to elections
and campaigns.
Roger Moiles, (616) 994-9985, instructor of political science
Moiles is an expert on elections, public policy and Congress. He is
regularly interviewed by television and radio stations in the West Michigan.
Grand Valley State University attracts more than 23,000 students with high quality programs and state-of-the-art facilities. Grand Valley is the comprehensive regional university for the Michigan's second largest metropolitan area and offers 70 undergraduate and 26 graduate degree programs. It has campuses in Allendale, Grand Rapids, and Holland and centers in Muskegon and Traverse City. The university is dedicated to individual student achievement, going beyond the traditional classroom experience, with research opportunities and business partnerships.
