EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s Division of Advancement is proud to announce the appointment of a new executive committee and welcoming two new distinguished members to its Alumni Association Board of Directors. These individuals collectively usher in fresh perspectives and expertise to fortify the Alumni Association, effective July 1, 2023. The newly appointed Executive Committee members are as follows:

• Trevis Harold (BA '15), Recognition, Awards and Scholarship Committee
• Jarrett Waddy (BS '11), Development, Marketing and Communications Committee
• Ebony Walls (BA '15, MA '18), President
• Kenneth Dobson (BA '02), President-Elect and Chair of the Governance Committee
• Marina Reyna (BA '99), Secretary
• Douglas Wallace (BA '94), Treasurer
• Courtney Smith (BA '15), Parliamentarian
• Edward “Eddie” Davis (BA '07, MA '10), Chair of Chapters Committee
• Marc Perry (BA '78), Chair of the Development, Marketing and Communications Committee
• Geralda "Ame" Tunstall (BA '05), Chair of Recognition, Awards and Scholarship Committee

Trevis Harrold and Jarrett Waddy, esteemed alumni of Eastern Michigan University, are the newest additions to the Alumni Association Board of Directors, each serving two-year terms from 2023 to 2025. 

This dynamic and diverse group of leaders will play a pivotal role in guiding the Alumni Association's mission, ensuring its continued success. Their knowledge and proven track record in their professional areas of expertise will play a vital role in guiding the Association’s mission, growth, and success rate toward alumni and student engagement.

• Trevis Harrold, class of 2015, brings a wealth of experience in corporate and government relations. He is known for his ability to analyze, craft, and implement legislative policies and lead advocacy initiatives.
• Jarrett Waddy, a 2011 alumnus, has a diverse background encompassing strategic planning, employee engagement, higher education, marketing, workforce development, and DEI efforts. Throughout his career, Waddy has demonstrated expertise in these areas, benefitting both for-profit and private organizations.

In a recent statement, Mia Milton, chief engagement officer in the EMU Office of Alumni and Donor Engagement within the Division of Advancement, highlighted the significant impact of Trevis Harrold and Jarrett Waddy joining the board. Milton said, "The addition of Trevis Harrold and Jarrett Waddy to our board brings a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to our alumni community. Their commitment to EMU's success will help us shape a brighter future for our institution and its graduates."

Harrold and Waddy's induction into the distinguished group of board members marks a significant milestone. Under the leadership of Ebony Walls (BA '15, MA '18), EMU Alumni Association's new president, the two will serve alongside dedicated alumni. Ebony states, "Their unwavering commitment and astute guidance serve as invaluable assets, ensuring the continued success of the board's initiatives."

In tandem with President Walls, Kenneth Dobson, the president-elect and governance chair, not only brings over two decades of expertise in public policy, community affairs, and governmental relations but also a shared vision and strategic goals for the Alumni Association. His leadership, legislative analysis prowess, and lobbying skills in Michigan significantly bolster the board's capabilities.

Treasurer Douglas Wallace draws from his extensive role as executive director of the Northville Chamber of Commerce leveraging his financial acumen to support the board's fiscal responsibilities.

Nicole Brown, an accomplished public servant and Mayor of Ypsilanti, as well as, Chris Economeas, the director of community & social responsibility at the Detroit Pistons, and Courtney Smith, CEO and president of The Phoenix Center, all bring a distinct perspective, and deep community connections in both Wayne and Washtenaw counties. 

These professionals' diverse backgrounds and expertise align with the EMU board's commitment to shaping the university's strategic direction and governance practices. Their insights will be invaluable in propelling EMU's mission forward. President Ebony Walls states, “Our board's diverse expertise fuels our commitment to EMU's strategic direction. Their invaluable insights propel us forward in fulfilling our mission.”

The EMU Division of Advancement values the insights and perspectives of all EMU board members, who collectively contribute to shaping the university’s strategic direction and governance practices.

For a full list of our esteemed board, please visit here.

To learn more about Eastern Michigan University’s Alumni Association Board of Directors, visit here. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.