I am thrilled to be part of the College of Business Administration at Central Michigan University!

Effective June 1, 2005, I joined the college as the senior director of development, replacing Amy Silk, who left in 2004 for Northern Michigan University. My transition has been quick because I already was working in CMU’s development and alumni relations office. I originally joined CMU in July 2004 as a senior director of development in the area of major and planned giving. Much of my time was spent working with donors and alumni in the West Coast states.

Prior to joining CMU, I worked at Michigan State University where I served as director of major gifts for the College of Veterinary Medicine. I also worked as the special gifts officer for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Prior to working in higher education I was employed as the executive director of the Michigan FFA Foundation.

I received my undergraduate degree from Albion College in communications and marketing. I received my master’s degree from Michigan State University in extension education. I currently am finishing my Ph.D. in higher education administration.

CBA alumni share a common heritage

Working in higher education is very rewarding. While I do not get the opportunity to interact with students on a day-to-day basis, I do get the chance to meet some of the best alumni in the country, and I already have met many of you. As I work to engage alumni back into the life of the college, I am quick to realize the commonality among you all. It is a commonality that is quick to realize, however, so easy to overlook.

You may think that I am referring to the fact that alumni from the College of Business Administration are some of the most talented and successful individuals working in business today. Or, that many of our alumni are generous in their support of the college, as many of you do regularly volunteer to work with students and give of your time, resources, and finances.

While all this is true, what is just as impressive is that College of Business Administration alumni have an overwhelming sincerity and interest in the success of the college.

I often hear about how proud many of you are to be alumni. Many of you talk about the great education you received, the great professors you had, and the many opportunities presented that have allowed you to succeed as professionals. I always enjoy sharing with alumni about the current students, faculty, and programs in the college. Alumni always are so impressed to learn that the college continues to advance knowledge and transform lives.

CBA success depends on alumni

Let me reiterate: We could not do many of the great things we do without YOU.

Alumni, donors, and stakeholders often do not realize how important they are to the current infrastructure and future of our programs. YOUR volunteerism and engagement with faculty help direct classroom learning. YOUR ability to come to campus allows students to learn about opportunities, careers, and futures that may have been overlooked. YOUR willingness to get involved allows our staff to place students in high-level internships and careers. And, YOUR ability and decision to financially support the college make available opportunities for scholarships, research, and programs that may not have been available.

I encourage you to get involved further.
Volunteer to be a mentor, or hire an intern. Come to campus to engage in Dialogue Days, alumni receptions, or Homecoming. Or get involved with an advisory board. If you wish to make a financial commitment to the College of Business Administration’s New Vision of Excellence Campaign, you can start a scholarship, support research and programs, or make an annual gift, to list a few possibilities.

I look forward to working with you, the alumni, donors, and stakeholders in the College of Business Administration. Please feel free to contact me at merch1jd@cmich.edu or call the College of Business Administration Development and Alumni Relations office at (989) 774-1732.

Joshua Merchant
Senior Director of Development
College of Business Administration