WMU trustee Kurtis Trevan steps down from his role on the board

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University Trustee Kurtis Trevan has informed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and University leadership that he is stepping down from the Board of Trustees, effective immediately. The governor is expected to appoint a new trustee to complete Trevan's term, which expires Dec. 31, 2028.

Trevan has relocated to live full time out of state to be with his family and spouse, who is based in California. The WMU alumnus was appointed by the governor to the board in 2020 and has been instrumental in the ongoing work to enhance the board’s fiduciary governance.

Though from afar, the outgoing trustee says he will continue to champion Western, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration.

“It has been an honor to serve my alma mater as a trustee,” Trevan says. “I’ve enjoyed every aspect of being on the board, particularly helping to connect our fiduciary governance with general operations in support of the University’s long-term health and goals.”

Western’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is also of particular importance to Trevan. At WMU, he was involved in the work leading to the establishment of the graduate certificate in tribal governance, an outgrowth of the University’s collaboration with the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi and Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. Trevan is a citizen of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, in which he has held various leadership positions in the past.

"Throughout his tenure, Trustee Trevan brought expertise in fiduciary oversight and valuable strategic thinking to his role on WMU’s board," says Shelly Edgerton, chair of the board. "Though we will miss his presence and skillset, his dedication to sound governance and contributions as a leader will have an enduring impact on the strength and well-being of Western."

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