Grand Valley State University is an institution of higher education created by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and governed by the Board of Trustees. The Board consists of eight members appointed by the Michigan governor and confirmed by the Senate. Trustees serve eight-year terms.

A strong liberal education serves as the foundation for Grand Valley State University's wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering critical thinking, creative problem solving, and cultural understanding. Through personalized learning enhanced by active scholarship, we accomplish our mission of empowering learners in their pursuits, professions, and purpose.

Mikyia S. Aaron, Vice Chair

Hometown: Taylor, Michigan

Mikyia Aaron was appointed to the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees in 2021. She currently serves as the Board's Vice Chair and as the Chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee. Aaron is a labor attorney in Detroit. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and criminal justice from Grand Valley State University, a master's degree in criminal justice and corrections from Wayne State University, and her Juris Doctor from University of Detroit Mercy.

Term expires 2028

Randall S. Damstra

Hometown: Ada, Michigan

Randall Damstra was appointed to the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees in 2017. He currently Chairs the Finance and Audit Committee. Damstra is the Senior Managing Director, Head of Global Private Equity for Ottawa Avenue Private Capital, LLC, a division of RDV Corporation. Trustee Damstra earned a bachelor of arts degree from Grand Valley State University in 1982 and a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Iowa.

Term expires 2024

Elizabeth C. Emmitt, Chair

Hometown: Byron Center, Michigan

Elizabeth (Beth) Emmitt was appointed to the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees in 2019. She currently serves as the Board's Chair and also serves on the Finance and Audit Committee. Emmitt is a manager of corporate communications for Corewell Health. Previously, she worked for the State of Michigan and served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Rick Snyder. Trustee Emmitt holds a bachelor of arts degree from Hope College.

Term expires 2026

Ronald E. Hall

Hometown: Bloomfield Township, Michigan

Ronald Hall was appointed to the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees in 2023. He currently serves on the Finance and Audit Committee. Hall is the president and chief executive officer of Bridgewater Interiors, L.L.C., an automotive interiors manufacturing firm, located in Detroit. Trustee Hall holds a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School.

Term expires 2030

Susan M. Jandernoa

Hometown: West Olive, Michigan

Susan Jandernoa was appointed to the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees in 2019. She currently serves on the Academic and Student Affairs Committee. Jandernoa is a former elementary school teacher in East Grand Rapids and now dedicates much of her time to community service. Trustee Jandernoa holds a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University. 

Term expires 2026

Noreen K. Myers

Hometown: East Grand Rapids, Michigan

Noreen Myers was appointed to the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees in 2021. She currently serves on the Finance and Audit Committee. Myers is a private practice attorney from East Grand Rapids. She previously served on the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees from 2005 to 2012. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Grand Valley State University and her Juris Doctor from Thomas Cooley Law School. 

Term expires 2028

Shelley E. Padnos

Hometown: Fennville, Michigan

Shelley Padnos was appointed to the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees in 2023 and previously served on the Board from 2007-2014. She currently serves on the Academic and Student Affairs Committee. Padnos is the executive vice president of PADNOS, which buys, processes and sells paper, plastics, metals and more for industrial and commercial clients. She holds an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from Thomas Cooley Law School.

Term expires 2030

Kate Pew Wolters

Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kate Pew Wolters was reappointed for a third time to the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees in 2017 after serving a 4-year term from 2013-2016 and an 8-year term from 2005-2012. She currently serves on the Academic and Student Affairs Committee. Wolters is President of the Kate and Richard Wolters Foundation and Chair of the Steelcase Foundation. She holds a master's degree in social work from Michigan State University and a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Aquinas College.

Term expires 2024

Philomena V. Mantella, Ph.D., ex officio

Donna K. Brooks, L.H.D., Honorary Life Member

Dorothy A. Johnson, L.H.D., Honorary Life Member

John C. Kennedy, D.P.S., Honorary Life Member

Stacie R. Behler
Vice President, Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer
Secretary, Board of Trustees
3035 James H. Zumberge Hall
(616) 331-2190
[email protected]

Cori Kahler
Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees and
Project Specialist for Presidential Initiatives
3035 James H. Zumberge Hall
(616) 331-2163
[email protected]

Public Comment/Request to address GVSU Board of Trustees