Board appointees confirmed

October 22, 2007 —

In September, Governor Jennifer Granholm announced an appointment and reappointment to the SVSU Board of Control. Jerome Yantz reappointed, while Jeffrey Martin was newly appointed. Both of their terms expire on July 21, 2015. Martin is succeeding Ruth A. Braun, whose term expired earlier this year.

"We were very pleased at the re-appointment of Mr. Yantz and the appointment of Mr. Martin," said SVSU President Gilbertson. "Both were already strong supporters of SVSU and we appreciate the governor's decision in this regard."

The SVSU Board of Control supervises the University and oversees expenditures. They vote on tuition rates and approve capital projects.

The Board is also responsible for evaluating and electing the University's president.

"Stated otherwise," Gilbertson says, "They are my boss and hold my feet to the fire about keeping the University on course."

The process of appointments to the Board is maintained by the Governor's office. She has an appointment staff who makes recommendations and informs of people interested in the positions.

"Sometimes we are asked by the Governor's Office to suggest possible members for the Board of Control," Gilbertson said. "The decision about whom to appoint is, of course, the Governor's to make."

Which is something that helped Martin get appointed to the Board. He worked under Governor Granholm on her executive board for four-and-a-half years.

"The Governor feels very strongly about education," Martin says. "And as a former employee with those same values and strong commitments the Governor felt as though I would be the ideal appointment to carry on her visions and values as a board member."

Martin is no stranger to SVSU.

"I have worked with SVSU administration for several years in my capacity with the state on several issues facing the University," he said. "And I plan to serve with integrity, excellence and teamwork."

Martin was interested in the role and wants the University to maintain its standing as one of the "best and most affordable teaching institutions in the state."

Martin resides in Saginaw and is currently a Community Relations Leader for the Michigan Operations branch of The Dow Chemical Company. Yantz - the reappointed board member - resides in Bay City, where he is a certified accountant and the president of Weinlander & Fitzhugh.

Most of the board members are from the region.

"This is primarily because the region has the greatest stake in SVSU's performance and success," Gilbertson said. "And people from the region have had the greatest interest in serving on our board."

That was a point both Gilbertson and Martin saw as playing a role in Martin's appointment. Martin sees his role in the community and at Dow focusing on the quality of life for the region.

"We have a reputation to uphold and a strong commitment of being the largest, most profitable and most respected chemical company," Martin says. "We know our efforts can make a huge impact on a community and I feel as though the same holds true for any state university, especially SVSU."

Though the appointments were made by Granholm in September, it wasn't until this past Thursday that the Senate held a confirmation hearing that made them official.