February 20, 2026

SVSU Board grants tenure to 7 faculty

The Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control granted tenure to 7 faculty members during the Board’s regular meeting Monday, Feb. 16. Those receiving tenure, effective July 1 are:

• Margot Alvey, medical laboratory science
• Emily LaRocque, nursing
• Kevin Lorentz, political science
• Joshua Mike, mathematical science
• Ashley Sanders, social work
• JoAnne West, teacher education
• Colin Wood, music

The Board also granted an honorary degree to Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario, in recognition of his efforts to build partnerships between Michigan and the Canadian province. Ford will serve as SVSU’s Commencement speaker in May.

In other action the Board:

• Received and accepted the federal awards audit for the 2024-25 fiscal year, as performed by Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC.
• Authorized the president or vice president for Administration and Business Affairs to proceed with property acquisition for SVSU’s planned facility in Saginaw’s medical diamond district.
• Appointed a nominating committee for election of Board officers in May.
• Approved the Board’s meeting schedule for the 2026-27 academic year.