GVSU Board elects Emmitt as chair, honors Jandernoa at end of 2-year term

Corewell Health executive Elizabeth Emmitt was elected chair of Grand Valley's Board of Trustees at its annual meeting July 12, succeeding Susan Jandernoa, who completed a two-year term as board leader.

Emmitt, manager of corporate communications for Corewell Health in Grand Rapids, was appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2019 and previously served as the board's vice chair and as a member of the Finance and Audit Committee. Her term expires in 2026.

"It is an honor to serve this university as it continues to evolve and adapt to serve students, faculty, staff and alumni with vigor and innovation that will shape the future of Michigan's economy," said Emmitt, who holds a bachelor's degree from Hope College.

The board also elected Mikyia Aaron as its vice chair. Aaron was appointed to the board in 2021 to a term expiring in 2028 and chairs the Academic and Student Affairs Committee. A labor attorney in Detroit, Aaron holds a bachelor's degree from GVSU and earned master's and juris doctor degrees from Wayne State University.

"It was truly an honor to serve as GVSU's board chair and hand over the gavel to capable leaders like Beth and Mikyia," said Jandernoa, who spent three decades teaching elementary school before joining the board in 2019 for a term expiring in 2026. "Under their leadership, I am confident Grand Valley will continue to be a leading choice for students to continue their educational journeys and an incredible source of talent for Michigan employers."