Ann Arbor Times

Nicole Brown, mayor of Ypsilanti and a two-time graduate of Eastern Michigan University, will open the 2025-26 Star Lecture Series hosted by the Honors College. Her lecture, titled “My Journey to City Hall: Lessons for Aspiring Change Agents,” is scheduled for Thursday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Sill Hall on the EMU campus.

The Star Lecture Series features six lectures each academic year that address a shared theme. For the upcoming year, the theme is "Be the Change." The series invites faculty, staff, alumni, and other speakers to discuss their experiences and insights related to this topic.

Ann Eisenberg, dean of the Honors College, said about Brown’s selection as keynote speaker: “We invited Mayor Brown to provide the first Star Lecture this year because we felt she would be an inspirational example of an individual who is committed to 'being the change' both as a student and EMU alum. Mayor Brown was committed to community advocacy as a high school student and as an undergraduate at EMU. She continues to work toward change as mayor and as a program supervisor at a children’s mental health agency."

Brown earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and communications from EMU in 2014 and completed her master’s degree in social work in 2022. In recognition of her achievements after graduation, she received the EMU Alumni Association “Distinguished Young Alumni” award in 2018. She continues her involvement with EMU through mentoring roles with organizations such as Young Beautiful Black Woman (YBBW) and serving as graduate advisor for Delta Beta chapter.

Her upcoming lecture will focus on her commitment to community service, mentorship, and compassion throughout her career.

The event is open to all members of the community. A virtual attendance option via Zoom is available; details can be found on the University Events Calendar.