Grand Valley State gets two new board members

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm appointed two new members to Grand Valley State University’s Board of Trustees.

Sue C. Carnell, former deputy superintendent of Detroit Public Schools, and David L. Way, with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, will replace Dan Aronoff of Birmingham and Donna Brooks of Holland, whose terms have expired.

Carnell received an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. Before her position with Detroit Public Schools, she served as an education policy advisor to Gov. Granholm from 2003 to 2008; before that Carnell was with the Michigan Department of Education as director of the Office of School Excellence.

“Grand Valley State University is one of Michigan’s esteemed higher education institutions,” said Carnell. “I look forward to working with fellow board members, President Haas, faculty, staff and students to provide programs and offerings at Grand Valley that meet the needs of our global market.”

Way, from DeWitt, has roots in West Michigan; he attended Grandville High School. Way also was a student at Grand Valley in the early '70s and also attended Lansing Community College. He has been a contract negotiator for the UFCW Local 951 in Grand Rapids for seven years, and also serves as vice president and organizer and field representative.

“I am honored to have been appointed to serve as trustee for Grand Valley State University,” said Way. “I look forward to the challenges presented in maintaining and improving the excellent reputation of Grand Valley, especially during our current economic climate.”

Board vice chair, Kate Pew Wolters, said the board is pleased to welcome Carnell and Way. “I am sure that both will provide perspectives and insights that will help lead Grand Valley into our next 50 years,” said Wolters. “I also want to thank Dan Aronoff and Donna Brooks for their contributions and service.”

President Thomas J. Haas spoke to the new trustees and told them he looks forward to working with them. “At the same time that our state faces challenges, Grand Valley faces renewed energy for our mission to educate students to take their place in our communities. I am confident that Sue and Dave will bring their talents and energies and help move Grand Valley forward.”