National Board of Directors, Group 1, 2026 Nominations
Michigan State University Black Alumni, Inc. (MSUBA) National Board of Directors is organized into four (4) groups, Groups 1–4. Group 1 is elected by the MSUBA general membership during its Homecoming Annual Business Meeting, which will occur on Thursday, October 8, 2026. On December 31, 2026, MSUBA Board of Directors, Group 1, will have 6 of its 17 directors term expire.
With gratitude to the 6 individuals currently serving in MSUBA National Board of Directors Group 1 seats, the MSUBA 2026 Nominating Committee will now open nominations for MSUBA members who have an unwavering desire to serve a four-year term from January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2030.
Note: MSUBA Executive Board Officers are elected at the MSUBA Annual Meeting of the National Board of Directors, usually in January of the membership year.
Open Seats (6)
The following seats are open for the 2026 election cycle (Term ends 12/31/2026):
- Bryan Cotton — 1st term, eligible for another term
- Carleen M. Gardner — 1st term, eligible for another term
- Lee Jackson, Jr. — Partial 1st term for vacant seat, eligible for another term
- Kwafo Adarkwa — 1st term, eligible for another term
- Keith Hernandez — 1st term, eligible for another term
- Darnel Manning — completing 2nd term, not eligible for another term
Who Can Be Nominated — or Nominate Someone
The nominee must:
- Be a financial, active member of MSUBA for at least 30 days, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, before the MSUBA annual membership business meeting.
- Have served in a volunteer capacity with MSUBA National or MSUBA Local Chapter.
- To be included on the 2026 election slate, nominees must be present (not by proxy and preferably in-person) at the MSUBA Homecoming 2026 annual membership business meeting.
The nominator must:
- Also be a financial, active member of MSUBA for at least 30 days before the annual business meeting, which is Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Board Member Responsibilities
- The term is for four years, January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2030.
- Have a passion for education, student advocacy, scholarship, and supporting the best interests of students, faculty, and staff at Michigan State University.
- Serve as an ambassador for MSUBA — on campus, engage in outreach, membership drives, expand the donor network, and assist with fundraising for scholarships and endowments.
Directors must:
- Attend at least three national board meetings each year
- Actively serve on at least one committee
- Demonstrate a willingness to serve on the Executive Committee
- Maintain the confidentiality and fiduciary duty of MSUBA business
- Develop and maintain a working knowledge of MSUBA By-Laws
- Demonstrate a willingness to use electronic tools such as Microsoft and Google Suites, virtual meeting platforms, and electronic calendars
How to Submit a Nomination
- Complete your nomination on this Jotform
- Submit your nomination at least 30 days, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, before the MSUBA annual membership business meeting
- The MSUBA 2026 Nominations Committee will confirm each nominee's acceptance before the slate is prepared.
- The slate of eligible, accepting nominees will be published to the general membership at least 14 days, Thursday, September 14, 2026, before the meeting.
- Nominations from the floor are only an option when the number of nominees is less than the number of open seats at the time the slate is published.
2026 Key Dates
Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Nominations open
Nomination form is available to the general membership
Tuesday, Sep. 8, 2026
Nominations due (30 days out)
Last day to submit; nominator and nominee must both be financial, active members
Thursday, Sep. 24, 2026
Slate published (14 days out)
Slate of eligible nominees presented to the general body
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
Annual Membership Business Meeting
Candidate remarks, balloting, tally, and announcement of results
All dates and deadlines are Eastern Time (ET).
Questions?
Email the MSUBA 2026 Nominations Committee at nominations@msuba.org.