Pickard steps down from WMU Board of Trustees

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Citing personal reasons, Dr. William Pickard has stepped down from the WMU Board of Trustees. The governor will appoint a new trustee to complete Pickard's term, which expires Dec. 31, 2020.

Pickard, who has served on the board for more than two years, is an alumnus and a high-profile Detroit entrepreneur and philanthropist. He has been a generous donor to WMU.

"Dr. Pickard is well known for his extraordinary successes in life and for enthusiastically giving of his time, his knowledge and his treasure," says WMU President Edward Montgomery.

"We are grateful for his generosity, and though he is stepping down from the board, we know that he remains committed to WMU and its mission. He understands the power of higher education and has been a tireless advocate for young people. We look forward to his continued friendship."

Over the years, Pickard's many gifts and commitments to WMU have totaled more than $3.5 million, including a gift in excess of $3 million for the Western Heights residence halls, which are comprised of Hall-Archer-Pickard east and Hall-Archer-Pickard west. The student dwellings were named to honor 50 years of friendship between Pickard, former trustee Dennis Archer and the late trustee Ron Hall.

Pickard also has supported a range of scholarship funds and grants, including a $250,000 grant to establish the WMU Kalamazoo Public Schools Future Educators Program and one that honors Hall and the late Dr. Charles C. Warfield.

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