Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced two new appointments to the Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees, effective Jan. 1, 2027. Susan Corbin of Petoskey is director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Glenn Stevens Jr. of Royal Oak, originally from Marquette, is executive director of MichAuto and chief automotive and innovation officer for the Detroit Regional Chamber.
Corbin has been with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity since its creation in August 2019. She previously served as a senior advisor in the Office of Governor Whitmer and director of customer assistance with the Michigan Public Service Commission. In her earlier role as deputy director and chief of staff for the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, she had oversight responsibility for the Unemployment Insurance Agency, the Worker's Compensation Agency, and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Corbin began her professional career working for the Michigan Departments of Commerce, Labor and Transportation, assisting with their cultural, educational and trade relations with the People's Republic of China. She has a degree in International Relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University.
“Through my current job, I've spent time in the Marquette area and learned what a critical role Northern Michigan University plays in the region and the state,” she said. “The university's impacts include economic development, providing high-speed internet in rural areas, efforts to develop short-term credentials that promote better career pathways, and its emphasis on student internships, which help to retain young people in Michigan. I'm excited to have the opportunity to spend more time on campus and get to know new president Chris Olsen. I will work really hard to be a good board member for Northern.”
Stevens provides strategic direction and leadership to MichAuto at the Detroit Regional Chamber in its role as the statewide industry association to promote, grow and retain Michigan's automotive and next-generation mobility industries. His responsibilities are also centered on industry thought leadership, statewide industry stakeholder connecting, and strategic fundraising in conjunction with investor engagement. He has more than 35 years of management, strategy and operations experience across the following sectors: automotive, mobility, steel, plastics, specialty chemicals and equipment, and economic development. He holds a bachelor's in economics and an executive MBA from Michigan State University.
Stevens said he basically grew up on Northern's campus, where his dad once served as associate provost, helped to facilitate construction of the Jacobetti Complex, and played a role in starting the Wildcat hockey program. In fact, Stevens is pictured as a young boy with an early NMU team in a photo that hangs on a wall of the Berry Events Center. He has maintained a connection to the university as a member of the advisory committees for two NMU entities: cybersecurity and the Rural Leadership Fellowship Program.
“Northern is a really special place to me, both personally and professionally, and I'm honored to be appointed to its Board of Trustees,” he said. “My career in different industries has taken me across the country and around the world. I'm hoping the global perspective and connections I've developed over that time can benefit Northern, which I believe is very well-positioned to equip students with the skills required for the jobs of the future. I'm just looking forward to supporting a place that I believe has incredible potential and already plays a very important role in this state.”
“On behalf of the NMU Board of Trustees, I want to extend our sincere congratulations to Susan and Glenn on their appointments, and a warm advance welcome,” said Board Chair Missie Holmquist. “We are confident that with their impressive professional experience and varied skillsets, they will both be valuable assets in helping to guide Northern's future and continue its upward trajectory when they begin their terms in January.”
The NMU Board of Trustees is a governing body composed of eight trustees appointed by Michigan's governor. Corbin and Stevens will replace trustees whose terms expire Dec. 31 of this year. Their appointments, which are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, span a term ending Dec. 31, 2034.