On Dec. 19, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Brandon Hofmeister and Jason Trice to Grand Valley State University’s Board of Trustees (BOT), following the departure of Randy Damstra and Kate Pew Wolters. Damstra and Wolters’ terms expired, which provided two openings to fill. Hofmeister and Trice are taking on responsibilities in fiscal oversight.
Hofmeister is the senior vice president for strategy, sustainability and external affairs at Consumer Energy. Jason Trice, a GVSU alumnus, is the co-owner of Bedrock Apparel. Their shared background in business allows them to follow in Damstra and Wolters’ footsteps. Both Trice and Hofmeister will serve on the BOT for eight-year terms. Their terms can be renewed by Michigan’s governor if the trustee desires.
Damstra, a GVSU graduate, served on the BOT for eight years total. Damstra also served as the chair of the Finance and Audit Committee for four years, and was instrumental in helping the University maintain economic stability during the COVID-19 pandemic. He currently serves on the Grand Valley University Foundation. Wolters served on the BOT for 20 years, making her the third longest-serving trustee in GVSU history. She represented the Board in different ways over the years, serving as the chair, vice chair and Title IX liaison.
The two new members will be expected to work toward meeting the goals of President Mantella’s Reach Higher 2025 strategic plan. They will also be involved in the development of the Blue Dot Lab, which is a modification of the Eberhard Center on GVSU’s Pew campus.
Stacie Behler, the BOT’s vice president and chief public affairs and communications officer, is excited that Hofmeister and Trice have been added to the team. Behler also said she appreciates the longtime support and dedication of Damstra and Wolters.
“(Wolters) strived to ensure the academic quality of a GVSU credential, and that students would have the best possible empowered educational experience,” Behler said. “Both Trustee Damstra and Wolters are incredible advocates for Grand Valley and have fostered relationships with alumni, donors and community partners that have strengthened GVSU.”
Behler spotlighted the Governor’s role in appointing members and ensuring the University is represented by quality individuals.
“The entire Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership, policy development, academic integrity, quality and fiscal oversight,” Behler said. “The trustees are also some of our greatest allies in advocating for GVSU with the public, policy makers and other stakeholders.”
The BOT’s financial oversight capabilities make the group an extremely significant body in terms of the University’s future. The collaborative nature of the Board is such that it benefits greatly from the varied backgrounds of the appointed individuals.
Elizabeth Emmitt serves as the chair of the BOT. Emmitt said she is excited about Hofmeister and Trice’s future contributions.
“During this time of truly exciting growth and evolution for Grand Valley, Brandon and Jason’s experience and commitment to our mission are such valuable additions to our board,” Emmitt said. “GVSU is the flagship university of Michigan’s future, and community-minded leaders like Brandon and Jason help us continue our tradition of excellence, innovation and equitable access, as well as guide our future success.”
Due to the Board’s tasks and responsibilities, it is not unusual for Hofmeister and Trice to have backgrounds in business and economics. The current members have backgrounds in business, law, education, philanthropy and government.
Hofmeister is well-versed in law and government as well. He worked with former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm as an energy and climate policy advisor and deputy legal counsel. He is also a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, having earned degrees in government and law.
Hofmeister said he is excited to join GVSU’s BOT.
“GVSU is a pillar of higher education in Michigan, and will play a vital role in shaping the future of our state’s economy,” Hofmeister told GVNext. “As a recognized leader in innovation, sustainability and educational value, Grand Valley is well positioned to continue its role as a magnet for talented students and as a resource for employers in all sectors.”
Trice’s background as a business owner was substantial in his appointment to the University’s BOT.
When Trice graduated from GVSU in 2001, he was a wide receiver for the University’s football team. In 2017, he was inducted into GVSU’s Hall of Fame for his achievements during his three years as a student-athlete. Trice now owns Bedrock Apparel, a company he started in 2017 that has been growing ever since.
“Joining the board and serving GVSU is an honor, representing a chance for me to give back to an institution that is close to my heart,” Trice told GVNext. “With many challenges facing higher education, I truly think Grand Valley is well positioned to be a leader in providing innovation for Michigan’s future and unparalleled opportunities for its students.”
The BOT can be a somewhat elusive group to many in the GVSU community, as far as responsibility and scope goes. However, Behler thinks it’s important that students and staff alike become familiar with the Board.
“The Board provides governance and oversight to ensure Grand Valley fulfills its mission effectively,” Behler said. “Ultimately, the trustees are strong advocates for GVSU, (and they) provide governance and oversight to ensure Grand Valley fulfills its mission effectively.”