Governor Gretchen Whitmer today appointed Patricia L. Caruso and Jennifer Lynn-McLeod Tyson to the Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees.
“Patricia and Jennifer are leaders who are deeply familiar with the LSSU and Sault Ste. Marie community,” Whitmer said. “Education is one of my top priorities, and I am confident that Patricia and Jennifer have the unique experience and skills necessary to lead LSSU in the right direction.”
Patricia L. Caruso, of Sault Sainte Marie, is the owner and principal of Patricia L. Cariso, LLC., a corrections consulting and leadership facilitating firm. She is also the lead facilitator for the Warden Peer Interaction Program at the Correctional Management Institute of Texas and the Executive Excellence Program at the National Institute of Corrections. Ms. Caruso served as the director of the Michigan Department of Corrections from 2003 to 2011 and she spent many years working for the Department in various capacities including warden of the Chippewa Correctional Facility.
Ms. Caruso earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology from Lake Superior State University and Master of Arts in Comprehensive Occupational Education from the University of Michigan. She serves as the chair of the Lake Superior State University Foundation Board of Directors. Ms. Caruso is appointed for a term commencing February 7, 2020 and expiring January 27, 2028. She succeeds Ann Parker whose term expired January 27, 2020.
“It is an incredible honor to be appointed to serve on the Board of Lake Superior State University,” Caruso said. “I am a proud graduate of LSSU and I am excited about the significant work we are doing in so many areas. As a small university we make a real difference in the lives and futures of our students, our faculty, and our community. I am committed to being part of a team who takes our university into new frontiers and gives our students the best possible preparation for the opportunities awaiting them.”
Jennifer Lynn-McLeod Tyson, of Sault Sainte Marie, is a tribal councilwoman for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She previously served as an Indian education administrator and teacher for the Rudyard Area Public Schools. She also taught Ojibwe at the Ojibwe Charter Public School and was a special education instructor and cultural behavior intervention specialist at the Hannahville Indian School.
Ms. Tyson earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Ferris State University. She is a delegate for the United Tribes of Michigan and the National Congress of American Indians and a member of the U.S. Department of Justice Intertribal Working Group for Violence Against Women. Ms. Tyson is appointed for a term commencing February 7, 2020 and expiring January 27, 2028. She succeeds Rodney Nelson whose term expired January 27, 2020.
“One of my greatest joys has been helping students discover their potential and making sure they know that I believe in them,” Tyson said. “I could not be more pleased to continue this work at LSSU. Sault Ste Marie is my home now and serving my community and LSSU in this manner allows me to help the Future Leaders of our community, our State, and our Nation. I am grateful to Governor Whitmer for this incredible opportunity.”
The Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees is the governing body of Lake Superior State University.
The board is granted the power of control and direction of all expenditures from the university’s funds.
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
