Ann Arbor Times

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the appointment of two new members to the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents. The appointments, which are effective January 1, 2025, will see Sean Gray and Jenita Moore join the board.

Sean Gray, from Detroit, is currently serving as vice president of small business services at the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. He has previously worked as an economic development specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Gray holds both a Bachelor of Arts in management and a Master of Education in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University. His term will expire on December 31, 2032. Gray replaces Eunice Jeffries, whose term ends this year.

Jenita Moore, hailing from Lansing, serves as director of the office of community engagement for Governor Whitmer's Executive Office and will soon take on a new leadership role within state government. Her previous roles include chief of staff for State Senator Sarah Anthony and legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of State. Moore earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Law and Government from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Western Michigan University. She succeeds Alexander Simpson at the end of his term this year.

The appointments require advice and consent from the Senate.

Chad Newton, Chair of the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments: “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 commented on their qualifications: “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.”

Further information regarding current members and upcoming meetings can be found on the university's Board website.

Founded in 1849, Eastern Michigan University is one of Michigan's oldest public universities with nearly 13,000 students enrolled across various disciplines through its several colleges.