NEWS

Central Michigan University Alumni Board welcomes six new members

Connecting with fellow alumni is essential in supporting the CMU community

| Author: Jason Fielder | Media Contact: Jason Fielder

The Central Michigan University Alumni Board of Directors has appointed six new members to its ranks.  

The new members are: 

  • Chris Cantrell, '99 B.S. (Geography)
  • Kelly Eldracher, '11 B.A.A. (Integrative Public Relations)
  • Griffith Gatewood, '13 B.S. Business Administration (Marketing)
  • Kevin Bautista-Mancilla, '22 B.A. (Cultural and Global Studies)
  • Jen Peacock, '18 B.S. (Cultural and Global Studies)
  • Karenia Randle, '08 B.A.A. (Broadcast Cinematic Arts), '13 M.S. Administration (Public Administration)

The alumni board represents the interests of all CMU alumni by providing meaningful opportunities and connections for maintaining involvement with and commitment to Central Michigan University. 

“It’s been a lifelong goal of mine to give back to CMU in some form or fashion,” said Randle. “I felt the best decision to do so was to become a CMU Alumni Board member.” 

“I am Fired Up to welcome these new members to the Alumni Association board of directors!” said Scott Nadeau, ’89, alumni board president. “I have no doubt our new members will help expand our reach and help ignite a ‘Fired Up Forever’ affinity in all our alumni.” 

"We're thrilled to welcome a new group of alumni to our board," said Marcie Otteman, deputy chief of alumni relations and constituent engagement. "These individuals have consistently contributed to Central long before becoming part of the alumni board, and we're thankful for their continued dedication to supporting CMU." 

The Alumni Association Board of Directors fills board vacancies by appointment, seeking people who are dedicated to serving and engaging with alumni, and have a track record of volunteering for CMU or in their community.  To be eligible for consideration, nominees must have a degree from CMU and must also be or become a Gold Member of the Alumni Association. Appointees serve a three-year term and may be eligible to serve up to three additional, consecutive terms. The number of vacant seats each year varies based on returning board members and expiring terms. 

If you are interested in being considered for CMU Alumni Board service,  or volunteering with CMU in another way, you can fill out the interest form here. 

About the new alumni board members 

Chris Cantrell, ’99 B.S. (Geography), is a director of internet technology and geographic information systems for Midland County, MI. He has served as president and trustee on the MiCAMP board, a representative on MCoNET Board (which oversees the fiber network in Midland County), an advisory board member for Michigan Digital Government, and is a member of the States Technical Advisory Committee for NG911. He lives in Mt. Pleasant. His favorite thing about CMU is Homecoming and the traditions that go along with it. “It’s where you really get hooked on loving the CMU community,” he said.  

Kelly Eldracher, ’11 B.A.A. (Integrative Public Relations), is vice president of operations at Domino’s Pizza. Over the last two decades, she’s volunteered with Girls on the Run. Kelly joined the alumni board because she wanted to give back to the CMU community and connect with other alumni. She lives in Plymouth, MI. Her favorite thing about CMU is the lifelong friendships that she made. “They are still my closest friends and are truly priceless,” she said.  

Griffith Gatewood, ’11 B.S.B.A. (Marketing), works at Alera Group, Inc. as senior vice president of Corporate Insurance. He’s volunteered for Special Olympics, including various efforts in fundraising. Griffith joined the alumni board because he wanted to help CMU with fundraising and enrollment. He lives in Grand Rapids, MI. Griffith says his favorite thing about CMU is how much alumni still talk about loving their time on campus when they were students. 

Kevin Bautista-Mancilla, ’22 B.A. (Cultural and Global Studies), is a human resources manager for Marriott International, working at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. In addition to his CMU Alumni Board service, he volunteers in various ways at his work and in his community, advocating for social justice issues, inclusivity and similar issues. He lives in Ferndale, MI. Bautista-Mancilla says his favorite thing about CMU is the opportunity to get involved and build a community. “CMU has so much to offer that I am grateful for, starting with the MAC Scholarship experience up to graduation. To this day, I hold many memories and friends (from that time period) very close to me.” 

Jen Peacock, ’18 B.S. (Cultural and Global Studies), is a policy director at the Michigan Center for Youth Justice. She lives in Ann Arbor, MI. Peacock joined the board to build new relationships and give back to the institution that gave her so much. She says her favorite thing about CMU is the variety of opportunities for hands-on professional experiences. “This is not as common as people might think, and it makes CMU unique.” 

Karenia Randle, ’08 B.A.A (Broadcast Cinematic Arts), ’13 M.S. (Administration), is a government policy advisor for Dykema. In addition to her CMU Alumni Board service, she volunteers at Loaves and Fishes Ministries and the Junior League of Lansing. Randle lives in Lansing, MI. She says her favorite thing about CMU is our unique connection. “No matter where I am in the world, I always encounter a fellow CMU Chippewa. I beam with pride when I hear a friendly ‘Fire Up!’ after someone notices my license plate or sees me in my CMU gear. There’s nothing better than hearing those words and I will always be ‘Forever Fired Up!’” 

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