Central Michigan University Board of Trustees approves new appointment to CMURC Board of Directors

Central Michigan University Board of Trustees approves new appointment to CMURC Board of Directors

Moves strengthen leadership to advance industry and academic partnerships across the region

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich., June 25, 2026 – Central Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved a new appointment and reappointments to the Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC) Board of Directors, further strengthening a leadership body designed to connect industry expertise with academic innovation across the Great Lakes Bay Region.

This action reinforces CMURC’s role as a strategic bridge between private industry and Central Michigan University by advancing research commercialization, supporting entrepreneurial growth, and building strong talent pipelines that fuel regional economic development.

Among the approved appointments, Kristen Pursley, President of The Dobrusin Law Firm, will join the Board with a term expiring in May 2029. Mary Moran Hill, CMU’s Vice President of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer, and Paula Lancaster, CMU Provost, have both been reappointed with terms extending through May 2029.

“The strength of CMURC lies in its ability to connect the expertise of our university with the needs of industry,” said CMU President Neil MacKinnon, chairperson of the CMURC Board of Directors. “With this group of board leaders, we are deepening those connections by creating more opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and student success across our region.”

With these appointments, CMURC continues to build a Board that reflects a balance of private-sector leadership and academic expertise, while strengthening a broader network of partners who actively support entrepreneurs. This includes trusted service providers who play a critical role in helping founders navigate key areas like intellectual property, funding, and growth strategy.

“Our Board of Directors represents a powerful intersection of industry expertise and academic leadership,” said CMURC President + CEO Erin Strang. “With the appointment of Kristen Pursley, we are strengthening our ability to execute meaningful partnerships that support entrepreneurs and drive economic growth across the region.”  

The appointees will join CMU representatives: President Neil MacKinnon; Vice President of Financial Services and Chief Financial Officer Mary Moran Hill; Provost Paula Lancaster; Vice President VP for University Engagement + Student Affairs Shawna Patterson-Stephens; Vice President of Innovation + Online Kaleb Patrick; Associate Vice President Toby Roth; and Trustee Jeff Stoutenburg. They will also serve alongside private-sector leaders Felicia Harris, Bob Johnson, Patricia Franklin-Lindsey, Kristen Pursley, Dan Ward, and Maj. Gen. Darren Werner. 

As CMURC continues to strengthen connections between industry and academia, the organization remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs, expanding access to critical resources, and advancing innovation across the Great Lakes Bay Region. To learn more about CMURC and explore available resources, visit www.cmurc.com.