The Oakland University Alumni Association Board voted at its most recent meeting to elect Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett as its chairperson for the next two years.
As chair, Barnett work will with the Alumni Association to set the agenda for alumni engagement and outreach for the organization.
Barnett graduated from Oakland University’s School of Business with a degree in Marketing. He also served as student body president and was the recipient of the university’s highest student honor, the Alfred G. Wilson Award.
“I am grateful for the impact Oakland University had in my life, and even more passionate about introducing OU to others,” Barnett said. “I’m excited to lead this 100,000 member organization.”
Barnett was the inaugural recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from OUAA in 2010 and has been a member of the OUAA Board of Directors since 2011. Under his leadership as Mayor, Oakland University and Rochester Hills have partnered together on the Oakland University Incubator, the Mayor’s Business Council, and several other initiatives. More than 29,000 Oakland University alumni live within a 10 mile radius of OU, many calling Rochester Hills home.
Outside of his OUAA board involvement, Barnett has also been a speaker for several student organizations on campus including Leadership OU, Oakland University Career Services, and the OU American Marketing Association. He has also built a strong alliance and partnership with Oakland University President Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz.
Barnett has served as the mayor of Rochester Hills for more than 12 years and is the longest serving mayor in the history of the city. He currently serves as the Vice President of the United States Conference of Mayors, and in June 2019 will become President. At that time, he will hold the title of “America’s Mayor,” one of only four mayors from Michigan to hold the influential leadership position since 1932.
“With so much excitement and momentum surrounding OU currently, the timing couldn't be better to welcome Mayor Barnett into the role of chair of the OU Alumni Association Board of Directors and lead this incredible group of dedicated alumni volunteers. His deep affection for his alma mater and connections to the local and regional community will go far in advancing alumni engagement at OU,” stated Erin Sudrovech, Director of Alumni Engagement.