LANSING, Mich. — Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) today announced that Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss has been appointed to the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. His eight-year term will commence January 1, 2027, and expire December 31, 2034, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
The appointment recognizes Fewins-Bliss’s nearly two decades of leadership advancing postsecondary access and attainment across Michigan. As executive director of MCAN, he has led statewide strategies to increase college enrollment, persistence and completion in support of Michigan’s Sixty by 30 goal, ensuring 60% of working-age adults earn a postsecondary credential by 2030.
“I am honored by Gov. Whitmer’s appointment and thrilled for the opportunity to serve the students and alumni of Central Michigan University,” said Fewins-Bliss. “For 15 years, MCAN has worked to ensure Michiganders can access and succeed in postsecondary education. As a proud alum, I look forward to partnering with fellow trustees to strengthen CMU’s impact in advancing the state’s Sixty by 30 goal.”
Fewins-Bliss earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts in integrative public relations and a Master of Arts in educational administration and community leadership from Central Michigan University. He has served in K–12, higher education and nonprofit leadership roles throughout his career.
Under his leadership, MCAN has built upon data-driven strategies to close equity gaps in college attainment, with a sustained focus on first-generation students, low-income students and students of color. That work has expanded to focus on adults, student success, and workforce.
As a trustee, Fewins-Bliss will help guide strategic decision-making for CMU, one of Michigan’s largest public universities, serving more than 15,000 students statewide.
“Ryan has dedicated his career to ensuring every student in Michigan has a clear and supported pathway to college and career success,” said Sharon Mortensen, chair of the MCAN Board of Directors. “His appointment to the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees reflects his vision, integrity and deep understanding of how institutions can partner with communities to improve student outcomes.”
Also reappointed to the CMU board for the same term is David R. McGhee, executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and a former MCAN board member.
Additionally, the following MCAN board members were also appointed today to boards and commissions by Gov. Whitmer: Maddy Day, reappointed to Michigan Education Trust board of trustees; and Dr. Tarek Sobh, appointed to the Michigan Education Trust board of trustees.
MCAN celebrates these appointments as a reflection of its continued leadership in strengthening Michigan’s education-to-career pipeline.
On March 4, 2026, MCAN Executive Director Ryan Fewins-Bliss has been appointed to the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. His eight-year term will commence January 1, 2027, and expire December 31, 2034, subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.