Two Laker alumni are slated to join Grand Valley’s Board of Trustees
for eight-year terms beginning in January, 2027, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
announced on March 4. This early announcement adds local leaders to
the GVSU board and allows significant time for on-boarding the new members.
Kevin Polston, superintendent of Kentwood Public Schools, and Ryan
Irvin, a partner and co-founder of Change Media Group based in Grand
Rapids, are expected to join the board after the terms of long-time
board member Susan Jandernoa and current Board Chair Elizabeth Emmit
expire in December, 2026.
Ryan Irvin, left, and Kevin Polston were appointed terms on the GVSU
Board of Trustees that will start in January 2027.
“These board appointments will add tremendous strength, experience
and Laker know-how to our Board of Trustees,” GVSU President Philomena
V. Mantella said. “Kevin Polston has a long-standing commitment to
public education in West Michigan and deep understanding of the power
of post-secondary education at every level. Ryan Irvin is a business
owner with a rich knowledge of the importance of strategic planning
and messaging, which are vital in today’s environment. We look forward
to their leadership and guidance when they join our board in 2027.”
Polston has served as Kentwood Public Schools Superintendent since
2021. His previous superintendent experience included four years at
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools in Wyoming. Prior to becoming a
superintendent, he served as a teacher, coach, principal and
curriculum leader at Grand Haven Area Public Schools for 15 years.
Polston holds a Bachelor of Arts in education from Michigan State
University, a Master of Education in educational leadership and an
education specialist degree from Grand Valley State University, and is
also a doctoral candidate for a Doctor of Philosophy in educational
leadership at Central Michigan University. Succeeding Trustee
Jandernoa, his term begins Jan. 1, 2027 and will expire Dec. 31, 2034.
Irvin, of Okemos, is the co-founder of Change Media Group, with
offices in Grand Rapids, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Irvin holds a
Bachelor of Business Administration in business economics from GVSU
and a Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law.
Irvin succeeds Trustee Emmitt for a term commencing Jan. 1, 2027, and
expiring Dec. 31, 2034.
“I look forward to the great work still to be done in 2026 under the
leadership and dedication of both Sue and Beth and am excited to have
almost ten months to on-board Kevin and Ryan to their new roles,”
Mantella said.
