Skip to main content

Western Michigan University Western Michigan University

Top links

  • Apply
  • A–Z
  • Find People
  • goWMU
  • Visit

Main navigation

  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Research
  • Give

Top links

  • Apply
  • A–Z
  • Find People
  • goWMU
  • Visit
  • Home
  • Addressing the Board
    • Public Comment
  • Agendas and Minutes
  • Meet the Board Members
    • Bylaws
    • Past Members
  • Committees
  • Contact Us

Main navigation

  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Research
  • Give
  1. Board of Trustees
  2. Board Members

Board of Trustees

Student Center at dusk.

Board Members

Our board is currently composed by eight members appointed by the governor to eight-year terms, they are the governing body of Western Michigan University.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Western Michigan University. It derives its powers from the Constitution of the State of Michigan (1963, Article VIII, Sec. 6), Enrolled House Bill No. 54 (72nd Legislature, Second Extra Session of 1963) and Enrolled Senate Bill No. 30 (75th Legislature, 1969).

Bylaws Current Board Members Past Board Members
Skip to content
  • Home
  • Addressing the Board
    • Public Comment
  • Agendas and Minutes
  • Meet the Board Members
    • Bylaws
    • Past Members
  • Committees
  • Contact Us

Board of Trustees
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5219 USA
(269) 387-2360

Photo of Shelly Edgerton, Chair

Shelly Edgerton, Chair

WMU Alumna, Term: 12/31/2026 (Plainwell, MI)
Vice Chair Turfe

Alan Turfe, Vice Chair

Term: 12/31/2028 (Northville, MI)
Photo of Kelly K. Burris

Kelly K. Burris

WMU Alumna, Term: 12/31/2032 (Detroit, MI)
Headshot for Trustee Chen-Zhang

Lynn L. Chen-Zhang

WMU Alumna, Term: 12/31/2026 (Kalamazoo, MI)
Photo of Jon Hoadley

Jon Hoadley

WMU Alumnus, Term: 12/31/2031 (Kalamazoo, MI)
Photo of James Liggins Jr.

James Liggins Jr.

Term: 12/31/2032 (Kalamazoo, MI)
Photo of Lisa Williams

Lisa Williams

WMU Alumna, Term: 12/31/2031 (Detroit, MI )
Photo of Kara Wood

Kara Wood

Term: 12/31/2028 (Grand Rapids, MI)
Photo of Dr. Kahler B. Schuemann

Dr. Kahler B. Schuemann

Secretary to the Board
Photo of Jan Van Der Kley

Jan Van Der Kley

Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
Photo of Colleen Scarff

Colleen Scarff

Assistant Treasurer

Footer menu

  • Audiences
    • Alumni and Donors
    • Businesses
    • Veterans
  • Locations
    • Grand Rapids
    • Kalamazoo
    • Online Education
    • Stryker School of Medicine
  • Services
    • Accessibility
    • Campus Safety Information and Resources
    • Human Resources
    • Maps
    • Parking

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5200 USA
(269) 387-1000
Contact WMU

WMU Notice of Non-Discrimination
Land Acknowledgment Statement
© 2025 All rights reserved.

Social

Budget and Salary/Compensation Transparency Reporting