Dr. Billy Pink (59) Director since 2024 Dr. Pink currently serves as Ferris State University s 19th president and is the first African American person to lead the university since it was founded in 1884. Prior to leading Ferris State University, Dr. Pink served as president of Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, MI, and before that served as vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Campus in Oklahoma. He is involved in governance and policy development at regional and national levels, including his appointment by Michigan s Governor to be a leader on the Growing Michigan Together Council and serving on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation executive committee. He is a member of the Higher Learning Commission board of trustees and serves on the American Council on Education board of directors, working to shape public policy so that more students gain a quality education. In West Michigan, he serves on the boards of Corewell Health West Michigan, is board chair for the Heart of West Michigan United Way and board vice-chair for The Right Place. Dr. Pink earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum, a Master of Education in Physical Education and Secondary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Professional Education from Oklahoma Christian University. Dr. Pink has been affirmatively identified as an independent director by the Board. The Board benefits from Dr. Pink's experience in the areas of leadership, policy making, understanding of the post-graduate expectations of students, and governance.