EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today (Dec. 19, 2024) announced the appointment of two new members to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents. 

Sean Gray, of Detroit, is the vice president of small business services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. Gray has previously served as an economic development specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Gray holds a Bachelor of Arts in management from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Education in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University. Gray is appointed for a term commencing January 1, 2025, and expiring December 31, 2032. Gray succeeds Eunice Jeffries, whose term is expiring at the end of the year. 

Jenita Moore, of Lansing, is currently the director of the office of community engagement for the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. She will be taking on a new leadership position in state government in the near future. She has previously served as chief of staff for State Senator Sarah Anthony; legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of State; and the senior advisor for policy and legislation for the Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Moore holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Law and Government from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration in public management and agency administration from Western Michigan University. Moore will succeed Alexander Simpson, whose term is expiring at the end of the year.

The appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents Chair Chad Newton said, “On behalf of my fellow board members, I am pleased to welcome Sean Gray and Jenita Moore to the EMU Board of Regents. They have outstanding experience in areas that will complement the collaborative efforts of the Board in helping to ensure excellent outcomes for Eastern’s students.”

Eastern Michigan University President James Smith said, “The new appointees bring an impressive background and valuable expertise to the university. As alums, they have a solid understanding of Eastern Michigan University’s distinct mission as an institution of opportunity. I look forward to working with them.”

Additional information about the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents, including current members and terms and upcoming meetings, can be found on the Board website. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 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.