Former Trustees

Thomas W, Metzger

Served from 1992 - December 2024

Tom Metzger represented the Beaverton area and was elected to the Board in 1992. He is retired from General Motors, where he held the position of Journeyman in Machine Repair for 38 years. Metzger also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Central Michigan University. 

Tom Metzger’s father, Clarence Metzger, served as a Trustee for Mid Michigan College for many years before relinquishing his seat, which his son was then elected to and held for the next 32 years. Metzger served the Board in the capacities of Board Treasurer, member of the Audit Committee, Board Facilities Committee, and Senior Citizen Travel Club Advisory Committee and received years of service recognition from both the College and the Michigan Community College Association.

Terry Petrongelli

Served from 2008 - December 2022

Terry was appointed to the Board in 2008 and has successfully run for re-election since then. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Central Michigan University.

During her thirty-year career as a teacher for Harrison Community Schools, she held elementary, middle school, and secondary positions. In 2010, she received the Creative Writing Teacher of the Year Award from the Michigan Council of the Teachers of English and was recognized as a High School Teacher of Excellence (Secondary Section) by the National Council of the Teachers of English. Upon retirement, she worked at CMU’s Center for Excellence in Education as a literacy coach, serving teachers across the state of Michigan.

Ms. Petrongelli is currently a member of the Gladwin Area Friends of the Theater and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (Clare County Chapter). She is also honored to be a volunteer for the Northern Michigan Alliance for Children. Terry was selected as Board Chair of the Mid Michigan College Board of Trustees in January of 2021.

Eric T. Kreckman

Served from 2007 - May 2022 (Gladwin)

Mr. Kreckman is a Gladwin native and a graduate of the University of Michigan. He spent 20 years in the title industry and served as a director of the Gladwin Downtown Development Authority, Gladwin Education Foundation, Gladwin Airport Commission, MidMichigan Medical Center and Gladwin Rotary Club. He then earned his Masters of Science as a physician assistant from Central Michigan University and works as a Physician Assistant.

Betty M. Mussell

Served from 1986 - April 2021 (Clare)

Betty has been an elected trustee of Mid Michigan College since 1986. She first served on the Board of Trustees as Secretary, was elected to serve as Chair in 1989, and now serves as Vice Chair. Betty has dedicated much of her time and energy to serving the College and its goals. Of special note, Betty has signed diplomas every year for the College since 1986 as part of her role on the Board of Trustees.

In addition to serving on Mid Michigan College’s Board of Trustees, Betty has been on the Mid Michigan College Foundation Board for 20 years. She was part of the driving force to make the Mid Michigan College Foundation an active organization.

She has also advocated for a retiree luncheon to honor past employees of the College.

Dedicating time to Mid is only part of what Betty has done for the community. She was a member of the Clare Board of Education for 14 ½ years, and served as a board member for the United Way of Clare County and as the campaign chair in 1997. Betty has also served as PTA president, Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund of Clare County board member, Clare Area Scholarship Association organizer, Clare Girl Scouts leader, Pioneer Sports boosters member, and played softball in the Clare Women’s Fast Pitch Softball League. Betty is currently a Board Member of the Clare County Agricultural Society, and is a member of the Clare United Methodist Church.

Betty graduated from Breckenridge High School, attended Central Michigan University, and was employed by Dow Chemical Company where she met her husband, Dorsey. She has three children Marjorie, Robert, and Cynthia and has four grandchildren.

Betty spends as much time as she can with her family. “It is such a great pleasure to have my family close so I am able to enjoy time with them, “ says Betty. “They are my priority.” She also maintains several fruit trees.

Carolyn C. Bay

Served from February 2001 - April 2021 (Clare)

Carolyn was born and raised in Clare County, Michigan on the Cornwell Ranch owned and operated by her parents, Robert and Rosemary Carter. A graduate of Michigan State University in Animal Husbandry, she was a member of the MSU Livestock, Meat and Wool Judging teams. She started working with the MSU Cooperative Extension Service in 1959 as a 4-H Youth agent in Midland County. Her career expanded to Regional Livestock Agent, District Equine Agent and then to County Extension Director in Gladwin County; taking five years off to be a High School Counselor in Clare Public Schools. Ms. Bay retired from MSU Extension in 1992. During those years her specialty was youth and equine education.

Ms. Bay has judged most all disciplines of horses, even traveling to Norway to learn to evaluate Fjord horses, and has assisted in educational clinics throughout Michigan and other states. She serves as a volunteer at the Kentucky 3-day Rolex event, working as a Communicator for the Cross Country Day.

Ms. Bay is currently a member of The Great Lakes Quarter Horse Association, serving as Vice President; American Quarter Horse Association; Clare County Farm Bureau Board; Michigan Equine Foundation; Michigan Quarter Horse Association; American Paint Horse Association (serving on the Racing Committee); Michigan Farm Bureau Equine Committee; Arthur Township Planning Committee; First Congregational Church; Gladwin Rotary Club; and Mid's Foundation. She was also Education Co-Chair of the 2007 Michigan Equine Conference. She received a 2008 Catalyst Award from the Michigan Horse Council and was also inducted into the Michigan Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame.

Presently Ms. Bay and her children raise Race and Performance Quarter and Paint horses at T. Bill Stables. The W.C. Cornwell Ranch is still owned and operated by Carolyn and her brothers, Bill and Bob Carter.

Ms. Bay has two children, David and Maria, and three grandchildren.

Douglas A. Jacobson

Served from October 1996 - December 2020 (Gladwin)

Doug was elected to the Mid Board of Trustees in 1996 and he graciously served in the role of Board Chair from 2002 to 2020. Mr. Jacobson has been an attorney in Gladwin since 1982, formerly serving Gladwin County as Prosecuting Attorney from 1981 to 1992. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1968, Central Michigan University with a Master of Arts in 1972, and obtained his Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School in 1977.

Mr. Jacobson was employed by Gladwin Community Schools as a teacher and coach from 1969 to 1974. He is a member of The Gladwin Rotary Club and Gladwin Council of the Arts.

Mark D. Mann

Served from July 1996 - March 2008 (Clare)

Mark graduated from Harrison High School and attained a Bachelors in Applied Arts from Central Michigan University. He owned Mann Construction from 1974 to 2007, served on the Harrison City Council and also as Mayor of Harrison. He served two terms on Mid’s Board of Trustees.

Other community involvement included service on the Harrison Chamber of Commerce, Chemical Bank Board of Directors, member of Harrison Area Economic Development (HAEDCO), member of Central Michigan Economic Development and the Clare/Gladwin Board of Realtors.

Thomas Evans

Served from July 1994 - Sept 1996 (Coleman)

Thomas Evans served on the board of trustees from July 1994 until September 1996.

John Graveline

Served from March 1994 - June 1996 (Gladwin)

John completed high school in time to join the U.S. Marines and serve his country during WWII in China. He married the former Elizabeth Heffron in Detroit, followed by residence in Coleman in 1955 then to Gladwin in 1984.

John worked as plant manager for Kal & Alma Plastics, which became United Technologies in Beaverton, retiring in 1987.

After retiring, John graduated from Mid Michigan College with an associate's degree in visual arts. He served on the college board of trustees. John was very active in his community, starting in Coleman. He was on the committee to bring ambulance service to Coleman. He was also on the United Way Committee for Gladwin County and served on the board of the MidMichigan Medical Center-Gladwin as well as Gladwin Pines, where he was chairman. He was active in Gladwin Rotary Club, where he served as a past president and received the Paul Harris Award. He was also a member of the K of C #5280 in Gladwin.

Mr. Graveline passed away in 2007.

Charles W. Buck

Served from Dec 1991 - Dec 2007 (Gladwin)

Charles was originally from Madison, Wisconsin and was most proud of being awarded his Eagle Scout Badge at the age of 16, and his Bachelor of Business from Michigan State University. He worked in the advertising department of GMC Trucks before co-founding, with his father, Buck Sales Promotion Company in Pontiac Michigan in 1960.

Charles moved his family to Gladwin after selling the business in 1976. He was involved in community activities and shared his love of business as an adjunct professor at Northwood University in Midland. He believed deeply in education and was proud of his service as a trustee at Mid Michigan College.

Charles was active in both Pontiac and Gladwin Rotary, and his faith was strengthened through participation in his church. In his earlier years he was a member of the Pontiac Yacht Club and enjoyed hunting and fishing at his home in Gladwin.

Mr. Buck passed away in 2009.

Michael Haskin

Served from July 1988 - Jan 2001 (Harrison)

Joyce Shull

Served from July 1988 - March 1994 (Clare)

Mrs. Shull served as Board Secretary during her tenure on the board at Mid.

Mrs. Shull graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Home Economics Education; from Central Michigan University with an MA in Supervision of Instruction; and an EdS in Curriculum Development. She taught in Farwell, Clare, and Coleman as well as being a principal at New Buffalo Elementary, Barryton Elementary, and Chippewa Hills High School. She was a student teaching coordinator and mid-tier director in the Department of Education at CMU. After retirement Mrs. Shull continued as a private education consultant in Michigan and for a corporation in Birmingham, Mrs. Shull was an active member of the North Central Accreditation Association, was an honorary member of the Michigan FFA, and remained active in her church.

Dr. Curtis S. Murton, Jr.

Served from July 1988 - June 1994 (Clare)

Dr. Murton served Mid in the capacity of Trustee from July 1988 through June 1994, and was formerly employed at Mid in 1967 as Dean of Academic Instruction. He assisted in development of the first course offerings for the fall 1967 and winter 1968 semesters, the first offered by the college. Dr. Murton also coordinated coursework for the Health Occupations Training Center in Gladwin. In 1970 he was promoted to Director of Business Affairs, resigning later that year to pursue his graduate school studies. While a student at Michigan State University he was employed by the Michigan Community College Association.

Dr. Murton was the first person hired by Founding President, Eugene Gillaspy and was instrumental in recruiting the first class of Mid students who began their studies in the fall of 1968.

Dr. Murton passed away in 2012.

Tom Brown

Served from July 1988 - Nov 1991 (Clare)

A native of Niles, Michigan, Mr. Brown has lived in Michigan nearly all of his life. He attended the extension campus at Indiana University, South Bend for three years, then transferred to Indiana's main campus in Bloomington to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. He then completed post graduate courses at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant.

Tom and his wife Lynda graduated Indiana University together in 1970, and he began working as a District Scout Executive for the Lincoln Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America, in Decatur, Illinois. Eighteen months later, he accepted a teaching position at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Decatur, teaching eighth-grade U.S. History.

In 1976 the Browns moved to Clare, Michigan to live on a Centennial farm that had been in Lynda's family since 1860. Tom was hired by Farwell Area Schools in October of 1976 to teach ninth grade Civics. While at Farwell, Tom served on the MMCC Board of Trustees. In addition to serving on the Board, he was also an adjunct professor, and taught Sociology and United States History for Mid.

After 27 years of teaching high school U.S. History, Government, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and even some English grammar and Speech; coaching junior varsity and varsity football, girls varsity volleyball, girls junior varsity and varsity softball, debate, directing two musicals and a stage play; and, serving numerous times as a class advisor, as well as President of the local teachers association, Mr. Brown retired in 2003, with a total of 32 years in teaching.

Since retiring from teaching, the Browns have traveled extensively, including a trip/cruise to the British Isles in 2005. They have wintered in Texas since 2003. Tom wrote history articles and political commentary for the historic Clare Sentinel for nearly 5 years, until the newspaper office closed. When he is not busy, he enjoys hunting, four-wheeling, and spending time with family. They have two children, Becky and Matt.

Clarence Metzger

Served from July 1986 - June 1992 (Beaverton)

Inducted into the Beaverton High School Hall of Fame in 2008

Clarence Metzger served as a Trustee at Mid from July 1986 to June 1992. His dedication to the college after retiring from his career in education allowed him to continue to contribute to student success, to which he was very committed. Clarence served on the Steering Committee for Mid, representing the Beaverton area.

A Beaverton High School stalwart for more than 50 years, his service as one of the greatest community organizers ran the gamut, from bus driver to principal (serving as principal for more than 25 years), from coach to athletic director, and numerous points in between. His active involvement at BHS paralleled some of the school’s greatest athletic achievements, and his voice as an administrator championed the accomplishments of the entire student body well beyond his retirement. His glowing smile never shone brighter than on Sept. 4, 1989, when the BHS sports complex was rechristened Metzger Field.

Clarence also founded Beaverton’s first Boy Scout program.

Mr. Metzger passed away in 1999.

Noel Bush

Served from Oct 1987 - June 1988 (Gladwin)

Noel was the city manager in Gladwin at the time of his service and is the long time director of utilities for the City of Midland. Noel and his wife, Karen, have two children, Allie Marie and Justin. Noel graduated from CMU, where his father was a professor of education.

Robert Beacom

Served from July 1984 - June 1986 (Clare)

Robert H. Beacom served as president and chief executive officer of Chemical Bank Michigan from 1980 through 1994. Mr. Beacom joined the staff of Chemical Bank Michigan in 1974 as manager of the bank's Coleman office. For 14 years previously, he had been a self-employed milk distributor serving the mid-Michigan area. Before entering the milk business, Mr. Beacom was an educator, serving as a teacher in Stalwart, Trout Lake and Coleman, and as principal of the Coleman Middle School.

Following his retirement, Mr. Beacom continued to serve as a member of the board of directors of Chemical Bank Michigan.

Mr. Beacom has been extensively involved in community and civic affairs throughout his career. He has served as chairman of the board of the Mid-Michigan Regional Medical Center - Clare, president of the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund of Clare County, president of United Way of Clare County and a member of the Central Michigan University Development Board, of the Mount Pleasant Industrial Development Corporation and of the Clare Kiwanis Club.

Robert L. Clute

Served from July 1982 - June 1988 (Clare)

Mr. Clute was elected to the board of trustees in July 1982 and served until June 1988. He was a graduate of Mid's first Licensed Practical Nursing class, driven by his interest in Emergency Medical Services.

He served as Director of EMS at Mid Michigan College and served as a leader in the development of Michigan's statewide Emergency Medical Services program in the 1980's. Bob's nursing career was largely spent at the hospitals in Clare and Mt. Pleasant.

He and his wife JoAnne were both lifelong residents of the mid-Michigan area.

Mr. Clute passed away in 2009.

Ralph E. Myers

Served from July 1978 - Aug 1987 (Gladwin)

Mr. Myers was elected to the Board of Trustees in June 1978 and served until August 1987. He received his Masters Degree from Central Michigan University in Guidance and Counseling in Community Agencies.

Mr. Myers was the owner of Myers for Tires, Inc. in Gladwin for many years. He served on the Gladwin Area Hospital Board of Directors, President of the Michigan Tire Deals and Retreaders Association, Rotary Club of Gladwin, Masons, Shriners, Bay City Consistory, Odd Fellows Lodge, former president of the Industrial Development Corporation, and Gladwin School Board. He was a former Councilman and Mayor of Gladwin.

Mr. Myers passed away in 1987.

Charles R. Ashcraft

Served from July 1978 - Feb 1989 (Harrison)

Charles Ashcraft was elected to the board of trustees in 1978. He previously served the college community in his membership on Mid's Scholarship and Grant Committee from 1969 on.

Mr. Ashcraft was born in Newark, Ohio. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1941, and then attended Central Michigan University. Later, he moved to Temple Michigan and worked with Pure Oil before opening his first small general store there.

Charlie and his wife Dorothy moved to Harrison in 1949, and opened their first Ashcraft's Markets in downtown Harrison. Together, this devoted husband and wife team served the Mid-Michigan area for forty-nine years until retiring in 1988. After Dorothy's passing in 1994, he was united in marriage to Loleta Hatfied in 1996.

Along with running his business, he was also active with: Harrison Community School's Board of Education, Mid Michigan Bank (now known PNC), Harrison Lumber Company, Michigan Food Dealers, Grocer Baking Company, Country Fresh Dairy, Spartan Stores Inc., and the Harrison Kiwanis Club among others.

Mr. Ashcraft passed away in 2011.

Joann R. Calkins

Served from July 1976 - June 1982 (Harrison)

Ms. Calkins was elected to the board of trustees in 1976. She served on the Substance Abuse Advisory Committee during her service to the college.

Ms. Calkins was the Director of Nursing at Central Michigan Community Hospital in Mt. Pleasant. She also served on many committees and councils including the State Committee for the Michigan Society of Hospital Nursing Administrators, East Central Michigan Area Directors of Nursing, American Hospital Association, American Nurses Association and the Center for Effective Living.

Richard W. Roehrs

Served from July 1974 - June 1988 (Gladwin)

Mr. Rich Roehrs began his dedication to Mid by serving on the Scholarship and Grant Foundation in 1969. His dedication to affordable education for everyone made him the perfect fit for heading up this important division of the college. Mr. Roehrs was elected to the board of trustees in June 1974 and was elected Board Secretary by his peers in July 1978. He served in the capacity of trustee until June 1988. His dedication and service to the college through the Scholarship and Grants Committee has been ongoing throughout the history of Mid.

Mr. Roehrs received his Bachelors in Science from Central Michigan University. He served on the Gladwin Chamber of Commerce, and the Gladwin and Beaverton Businessmen’s Associations, and the Corporate Board of the Gladwin Area Hospital. He was President of Roehrs Chevrolet Oldsmobile of Gladwin.

Mr. Roehrs passed away in 2022.

Reverend Gilbert Miller

Served from July 1974 - June 1984 (Clare)

Mr. Miller was elected to the board of trustees in June 1974 and was a member of the board until June of 1984. He served as a member of the Substance Abuse Services Committee, Land Use & Management Advisory Committee, and was elected Board Vice Chair in July 1978. He was Mid’s Alternate Member of the Michigan Community College Association during his time on the board.

Reverend Miller’s community involvement included the Clare Library Board, Michigan United Churches of Christ Board of Directors and Executive Board, and the Kiwanis Club.

Arnold C. Wallace

Served from July 1972 - March 1976 (Farwell)

Mr. Wallace was elected to the board in June 1972.

He served on the Clare-Gladwin RESD Vocational Education Study Committee and resigned from the board in March 1976 when he moved out of district.

Mr. Wallace passed away in 2020.

Wayne Eagleson

Served from July 1972 - Jan 1974 (Gladwin)

Mr. Eagleson was elected to the board in 1972. He represented Mid at Michigan Community College Association Meetings as the Alternate Representative in 1973 and 1974. He also was a member of the Long Range Planning and Review Committee for Mid.

Mr. Eagleson resigned from the board in February 1974 when he moved to South Haven.

Mahlon (Buzz) Parsons

Served from Nov 1971 - June 1972 (Farwell)

Mr. Parsons was appointed to the board to fill a vacancy in November 1971. He served in the capacity of trustee until June 1972. He was a student at the time of his appointment to the board – Mid’s first active student/trustee.

Frank Warner

Served from Mar 1971 - Sept 1971 (Farwell)

Mr. Warner was appointed to the board of trustees in March 1971 to fill a vacancy and resigned in September 1971 due to health problems. He later served on the Scholarship and Grant Commission in 1972.

Mr. Warner passed away in 2007.

Bernard Schofield

Served from Nov 1970 - Jan 1971 (Farwell)

Mr. Schofield served as a member of Mid's Scholarship and Grant Foundation Board from 1969 until 1971. He was appointed to the board of trustees in November 1970 to fill a vacancy, and resigned from the position in January 1971 due to poor health.

Mr. Schofield passed away in 1982.

Lloyd Mantle

Served from June 1973 - June 1974 (Harrison)

Mr. Mantle was appointed to the board of trustees to fill a vacancy in June of 1973. He had a strong interest in manufacturing and was instrumental in the development of the program at Mid. He was appointed the Trustee Representative for the College's Scholarship and Grant Foundation Board in December 1973. That same year, Mr. Mantle received the President's Club Award from the VR/Wesson Company where he was employed.

Mr. Mantle served on the board until June 1974.

Mr. Mantle passed away in 1976.

William Case

Served from July 1968 - June 1986 (Clare)

William Case was elected to the board of trustees in 1968. He was elected Vice Chair of the Board in 1973 and was also elected Board Treasurer in 1978. He represented MMCC as a member of the Michigan Community College Association Board of Directors during most of his time on the board.

Mr. Case served the college community in his membership in many committees including the 1969 Dedication Ceremony Committee, Long Range Planning and Review, Needs/Steering Committee of the Feasibility Study on Mid, Trustee Representative on the RESD Building Project and Vocational Education Study Committees. He graduated from Clare High School, was a member of the Board of Education of Clare Public Schools, and served as production supervisor for Clare Fabricated Plastics-Dow Chemical.

Mr. Case’s support for the founding of Mid was stated, “Having been Chairman of the Needs Committee, during the Feasibility Study of the proposed community college, we found the benefits that could be derived from such an institution to be man and varied. I feel that the most important of these benefits would be the equal opportunity of education for all of our people, youth and adult.”

Mr. Case was the leader in the lobbying effort for 1.5 mils when drafting the founding documents that the citizens eventually voted on and approved. Without his efforts, Mid would have started without the tax base and may not have survived the early years. He, along with Mr. Mercer, were the true champions of the vocational education programs at the college.

Mr. Case passed away in 2019.

Douglas Hall

Served from Dec 1967 - June 1986 (Gladwin)

Douglas Hall was appointed to the board of trustees to fill a vacancy in December 1967. He was elected to the board in 1968. He served on the Michigan Committee to Study Student Unrest in 1969. Mr. Hall represented Mid at Michigan Community College Association meetings from 1970 and was appointed Board Secretary in November 1970.

Upon Dr. Rhoades’ resignation from the board of trustees, Mr. Hall was elected Board Chair by his peers. He also served Mid on various committees, including Health Occupation Advisory, Open House, Phase V Building Project, and was the owner of Hall’s Pharmacy in Gladwin.

Ellis "Van" C. VanDeventer

Served from Sept 1965 - Nov 1967 (Gladwin)

After serving his country in the U.S. Army, Van enrolled at Central Michigan College of Education in Mt. Pleasant. He was a member of Delta Sigma Phi, the track team and cross country team at Central. He graduated from CMU in 1950, and then earned a master’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1953. Van later served on the CMU alumni board. His career in education started in Kaleva as a teacher. Subsequently, he was superintendent of schools in Elsie, Bay Port, Hartland and Gladwin.

Van was on the original Board of Trustees for Mid Michigan College and later served as a Counselor, Dean of Students, and Vice President of Student Services at Mid. He served on the committee that leased 10 acres of Mid’s property to the Clare-Gladwin ISD (RESD) to build facilities which housed the district headquarters for the K-12 school district. The lease was approved in 1967. He was appointed to the Scholarship and Grant Commission in January 1971 and served in that capacity for many years. He was a member of the Steering Committee for Mid, representing the Gladwin area.

Mr. VanDeventer also spent several years representing Doubleday Brothers & Co. and the McFadden Corporation in northern lower Michigan and was a member of the Gladwin School Board after retiring as superintendent. His interests included golf, bowling, fishing and hunting. Van was a member of the Gladwin United Methodist Church and Gladwin VFW Post 7303. He also was Treasurer of Gladwin Community Schools Board of Education, corporate member of the Gladwin Hospital, and was active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Little League.

Mr. VanDeventer said of Mid's legacy, "Our boys and girls in Clare and Gladwin Counties deserve our support in giving them an equal educational opportunity so they may compete with others."

Mr. VanDeventer passed away in 2002.

William Mercer

Served from Sept 1965 - June 1972 (Beaverton)

Bill Mercer was elected to the Mid's founding board of trustees in September 1965. He was from Beaverton and attended Central Michigan University. Mr. Mercer was always very proud of his local heritage and was pleased to serve on Mid Michigan College’s Board of Trustees. He served as Mid’s delegate to the Michigan Association of Community College Board and was appointed to the Program Committee for Accreditation through the NCA, the College’s accrediting agency. Mr. Mercer served as liaison between Mid and the Dow Chemical Company and was instrumental in getting Mid accepted for Dow’s matching grants program. He was on many internal committees including the Redistricting, Open House, and Vocational Programming.

Mr. Mercer had many interests including tennis, handball, boating, photography, table tennis and billiards. He was a very accomplished musician and felt it was a universal expression for everyone. He was also very interested in anything to do with electronics or refrigeration, and was an avid inventor. He enjoyed studying physics, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus. He took spectrophotometry training through Arizona State University, and attended General Electric GE/PC 4040 computer training in Phoenix – and Honeywell training in Minneapolis. He served as a member of the Beaverton School Board for many years, both he and his wife served as youth counselors/teachers, and Mr. Mercer directed the church choir for 25 years.

Mercer said in support of the need for a community college in our area, “I believe that a community college in this area is vital to the industrial growth to the community involved and outlying areas. It will provide a chance and opportunities for many of our high school graduates which they will otherwise never get. It’s an impossible jump from high school to a steady job. Technical training and specialized vocational programs must be provided locally in order to receive local benefit.”

He resigned from Mid's Board of Trustees in 1972. Mr. Mercer passed away in 2007.

Charles Amble

Served from Sept 1965 - Feb 1973 (Harrison)

Mid Michigan College's Library/Media Center is named after Mr. Charles A. Amble, one of the College's 1965 founding trustees.

Mr. Amble served 46 years as a teacher, administrator and superintendent of Harrison Community Schools, and as vice-chairman of Mid's Board of Trustees for over seven years. He brought to the college principles and values of personal achievement, self satisfaction, respect for others and the true attributes of good citizenship. He was referred to as a true humanitarian by his peers.

Amble was a model of perseverance, honesty and diligent effort. He was instrumental in the development of Mid by going to Lansing with the study committee to request a community college be granted in our area to serve citizens through educational opportunities.

The Michigan Board of Education granted the request in July 1965. At the dedication of the first Harrison Campus building on May 16, 1970, Charles A. Amble stated in his address that Mid Michigan College was 'A dream come true' through the establishment of Michigan's 25th community college. He served the college community in various roles including, Zoning, Annexation, Articulation, Community Relations, and Scholarship & Grant Committees.

Mr. Amble passed away during his service as vice chair in 1973.

Dr. Thomas Howarth

Served from Sept 1965 - June 1978 (Gladwin)

Dr. Howarth was elected to the founding board of trustees of Mid Michigan College in 1965. He was elected by his peers to the position of Treasurer in 1965 and was a leader in development of the vocational education program which is still in operation today.

Howarth worked tirelessly with the local school districts in its early stages. Dr. Howarth had very strong beliefs in affordable education and coordinated the scholarship and grant project at MMCC, offering the first scholarships in December of 1967. He was the college's official representative to the Michigan Association of Community College Governing Boards.

His many other contributions to Mid included Site Study Criteria Development, President Selection Criteria Development, Liaison with the Faculty Union, Dedication Ceremony Membership, Scholarship and Grant Commission, and Dr. Howarth headed up the original Planning Committee that made Mid Michigan College a reality.

Dr. Howarth passed away in 1979.

Dr. Paul A. Rhoades

Served from Sept 1965 - June 1978 (Gladwin)

Dr. Paul Rhoades a Gladwin chiropractor and community leader who lead the effort to make Mid Michigan College a reality. He was instrumental in meeting with state and legislative leaders which made possible the community’s decision to build a community college in this area. Dr. Rhoades worked closely with the State of Michigan in the development of classes that met the high standards required. After election to the founding board of trustees in 1965, he was elected Board Chair by his fellow trustees, a position he held until his resignation from the board in June 1978. Dr. Rhoades co-chaired the Library Committee with Trustee Mildred Lang of Beaverton and had a deep appreciation of education throughout his life.

Dr. Rhoades was formerly county supervisor in Mason County. After moving to central Michigan, he was elected to the Gladwin Charter Commission, member of the Gladwin Board of Education (three years as Chair), and was also an officer of the Gladwin Chamber of Commerce. He was truly the leader of the College’s founders.

Dr. Rhoades had a strong vision in making Mid a reality, “As Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Council, I have had an opportunity learn how people and communities have benefitted by the establishment of a community college in their area. I would like to have an opportunity to serve and see that these advantages are provided our community.” He served on the Steering Committee for Mid, representing the Gladwin area.

Dr. Rhoades passed away in 2001.

Mildred Lang

Served from Sept 1965 - Sept 1970 (Beaverton)

Mrs. Lang was elected to the founding board of trustees of Mid in 1965. As a business owner and community leader in Beaverton, she was a wonderful addition to Mid’s formation in the early years. She was elected Board Secretary by her peers and served in that capacity throughout her years of service to the college. Her love of reading and education provided natural leadership in development of Mid’s library and media center. She served as Library Committee Chair from 1966 until her resignation from the board in 1970, approving over 8,000 initial volumes for the library and assisted in development of cataloging of the many resources. Mrs. Lang also was a member of the Scholarship and Grant Commission and helped to define guidelines for financial awards that would best benefit students. She remained very dedicated to Mid after her resignation from the board of trustees and was a member of many college committees throughout her life. Mrs. Lang served on the Steering Committee for Mid, representing the Beaverton area.

Ms. Lang’s vision for Mid was, “I believe such a college will answer a great need in our area. When the community college is a reality, training to make a good living will be within the reach of all of our young people. Not only the young will benefit at a community college – all ages can gain advanced training in their field or learn skills for new fields. Last fall I attended night school at Delta, a community college. It was a thrilling experience for one interested in education to see and to meet some of the more than two thousand people, of all ages and from all walks of life, who were there to improve their ability to make a living or their ability to enjoy that living. A community college will also benefit this area by furnishing trained people for our local business and industry.”

Mrs. Lang passed away in 1997.