Advisory Council

The direct involvement of Advisory Council members possessing distinguished records as academics and professionals helps ensure that the School’s programs and activities contribute to solving today’s increasingly complex problems in the areas of public, nonprofit, and health care policy and administration.

In order to fulfill the mission of “fostering the School’s education, research, and outreach,” the SPAA Advisory Council does the following:

  • Advise on public and nonprofit practices, opportunities, and employment trends;
  • Participate in evaluation of the School’s graduate and undergraduate academic programs;
  • Expand the School’s network, information, and outreach to alumni, friends, and the public;
  • Advance relationships with public, nonprofit, and healthcare organizations for greater service learning, internship, and other co-curricular opportunities; and
  • Promote collaboration between the School and the larger community on fundraising, external grants, and other mutually beneficial activities.

    Advisory Council Officers

  • Chair: Matthew Lechel - Director: ONEplace, Kalamazoo Public Library
  • Vice-chair: Joseph La Margo - Village Manager: Village of Niles, IL
  • Secretary: Jack Klee - Ph.D. student: School of Public Affairs and Administration at Western Michigan University

    Advisory Council Members

  • Haley E. Ferguson - Undergraduate student: School of Public Affairs and Administration at Western Michigan University
  • April Kuehn - Associate Executive Director: Integrated Health Partners
  • Laura Lam - Deputy City Manager: City of Kalamazoo
  • Jodi Michaels - Executive Director: Global Ties Kalamazoo
  • Mara Minot - MPA student: School of Public Affairs and Administration at Western Michigan University
  • Sam Morseau - Independent Consultant in Tribal Governance area
  • Bud Norman - County Administrator/Controller: Branch County, MI
  • Daniela Schroeter - Associate Professor: School of Public Affairs and Administration at Western Michigan University
  • Stella M. Carneiro-Stephens - Mathematics Education Specialist: Kalamazoo Valley Community College
  • Lucinda Stinson - Executive Director: Lending Hands
  • Udaya Wagle - Professor and Director: School of Public Affairs and Administration at Western Michigan University
  • Liz Youker - Director of Education and Comm Engagement: Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

Western Michigan University
SPAA Advisory Council
220E Walwood Hall, MS 5440
Kalamazoo, MI 49008 USA

Email: spaa-ac@wmich.edu