EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University’s College of Business will host its second annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice speaker series featuring EMU alumnus Michael Pugh, president, chief executive officer, and a board director of Local Initiatives Support Corporation. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. in the Student Center, room 310, at 900 Oakwood St. in Ypsilanti. 

Pugh will share his story of climbing the ranks of some of the nation’s largest financial institutions and his experience leading community investment programs that scaled opportunities for millions of people. 

“The ability to lead on questions of equity is not just about your field of study or profession or job title,” said Pugh. “It’s about how you interact with the people in your world. It’s about leveraging your skills to enable others to reach their full potential. Real leaders recognize opportunities to be transformative—even if only for one person, in one moment.”

The College of Business speaker series is focused on positively impacting equity and justice. It is sponsored by 1986 EMU College of Business alumni and the college’s Dean Executive Advisory Board member, Joyce Jenereaux. The series has featured influential business professionals, including Kirk Mayes, former CEO of Forgotten Harvest and founder of KBM Ventures LLC.

Pugh's presentation will address a spectrum of critical topics, ranging from the nation's affordable housing crisis to fueling small business development. To enrich and inspire, Pugh hopes his message will empower listeners to positively impact diversity, equity, and inclusion issues as they engage with diverse communities.

The event is LBC-credit approved, and admission is free for students. For more information, contact Cheryl Kernander at ckernand@emich.edu. 

About Michael Pugh
Michael Pugh became chief executive officer of LISC in October 2023. Pugh has more than 30 years of experience in banking, with a particular focus on expanding access to capital for underserved families, businesses, and communities. He spent more than a decade at the Harlem-based Carver, leading the nation’s largest publicly traded African-American-operated bank, with more than $720 million in assets.  Earlier in his career, Pugh served as senior vice president at Citizens Financial Group, leading retail banking in Michigan and Indiana and overseeing 67 banking Centers. Pugh was also a senior vice president at Capital One North America, overseeing 75 banking centers and $3 billion in deposits at multiple locations nationwide. A native of Detroit, Pugh graduated from EMU with a bachelor’s degree in health care administration. Pugh is involved with many organizations, including The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and The New York Bankers Association, among others. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 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.