Governor Appoints Two New Michigan Tech Board of Trustees Members

Gov. Rick Snyder has announced the appointments of Brenda Ryan of Commerce Township, and William Johnson of Newaygo to the Michigan Technological University Board of Trustees. The eight-person board is the governing body of the University.

Ryan, president and owner of Ryan Industries and Ryan Properties of Wixom, Mich. and Alliance Industries in Springfield, Mo., is a Michigan Tech alumna, where she earned a BS in Metallurgical Engineering. She also earned a MS in Materials Science Engineering from the University of Virginia.

Ryan is a Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Production honoree and was honored as a National Minority Supplier Development Council "Success Story" in 2013. She also was named Minorities in Business Small Business Person of the Year and a Chrysler Group LLC – Diversity Supplier of the Year. She replaces Board of Trustees member Lenora Ashford, whose term expires on Dec. 31.

"As a proud alum of Michigan Tech, I am honored by my appointment once again to the Board of Trustees," Ryan said. "I wish to express my sincere thanks to Governor Snyder and President (Glenn) Mroz for their support. The opportunity to serve our great university moving forward is exciting."

Johnson is president and CEO of The Berean Group. He served as chairman, president and CEO of SEMCO Energy, as CEO of Northern Pipeline Construction Co. and as president and CEO of the Gas Service Co. Johnson serves as chair of the Biglari Holdings board of directors. He is a member of The Port City Group board of directors, a member of The Right Place and vice chair of the Fremont Area Community Foundation. Johnson earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Central Michigan University. He replaces Stephen Hicks, whose Board of Trustees term expires on Dec. 31.

"I am very pleased to renew my association with Michigan Tech, a premier university with a wonderful reputation," said Johnson. "I look forward to serving and assisting in any way possible."

Appointees will serve eight-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2022. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

"Brenda and William will bring great insight to one of Michigan's top universities. I am confident students and faculty will benefit from their significant talent and experience," said Gov. Snyder.

Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure.