FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 2, 2024 

Contact: [email protected]  

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the following appointments of Whitney Gravelle and Kevin Cooper to the Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees.  

“Today, I am proud to appoint Whitney Gravelle and Kevin Cooper to the LSSU Board," said Governor Whitmer. “They are both dedicated members of the community and bring years of diverse experience to their new roles. I am confident they will serve the students, faculty, and staff well and continue making higher education in Michigan more accessible and affordable.”  

Whitney Gravelle, of Brimley, is the President of the Executive Council of the Bay Mills Indian Community. Prior to public office, she was the Chief Judge of the Bay Mills Tribal Court. President Gravelle has also served as an Honors Clerk for the United States Department of Justice in the Indian Resource Section, as well as in-house council within Bay Mills Indian Community. She holds a Bachelor of Art in social science and a Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. She has been appointed previously as a member of the Michigan Women’s Commission and currently serves as the Chairperson of the Bay Mills Community College Board of Regents. Bay Mills Community College and LSSU work together closely to support students in the Sault region and beyond.   

“I am deeply honored to be appointed to the Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees,” said Gravelle. “Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding area has a long and rich history with both Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. I am committed to contributing my expertise and passion to help all succeed in their pursuit of education, as well as bridge communities, enhance educational policies, and promote inclusivity and respect across all levels of academic engagement that actively includes and represents indigenous perspectives and leadership in higher education.” 

Whitney Gravelle is appointed to a term commencing on May 2, 2024, and expiring on January 27, 2032. She replaces Thomas Bailey, whose term has expired.  

Kevin Cooper, of Sault Sainte Marie, is the owner of Cooper Dental and a lifelong resident of the Sault region. Cooper currently serves on the Board of Directors of Old Mission Bank. As a part of his dentistry practice, he serves the Chippewa County Health Department. Cooper holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry from Lake Superior State University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan. Cooper is a dedicated alumnus, previously serving as chair of both the Lake Superior State University Foundation Board of Directors and the Lake Superior State University Alumni Foundation. 

“I am so honored to have been selected to serve on Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees,” said Cooper. “Lake Superior has played a significant role in my life and the Cooper family for three generations from the Soo Tech branch of MTU to present day. I look forward to working with the administration, fellow board members faculty staff, and local residence to make Lake Superior State University the best University it can be, I’d like to thank Governor Whitmer for selecting me to serve on the board.” 

Kevin Cooper is appointed to a term commencing on May 2, 2024, and expiring on January 27, 2032. He replaces Randy Pingatore, whose term has expired. 

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.  

Whitney Gravelle 

Kevin Cooper 

###