CANR Alumni Board Spotlight – Melvin Mance
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EmailCANR is releasing a series of spotlights on Alumni Board members. Melvin Mance is currently an Executive Board member representing the college at large focusing on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI).
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) has nearly 60,000 alumni living around the world. The CANR Alumni Board plays a critical role connecting this large and diverse alumni community to meaningful ways to engage with the college after graduation.
The mission of the CANR Alumni Board is to build relationships that serve the college, alumni, students and friends of MSU. The board consists of 17 volunteer members representing each of the college departments, MSU Extension, young alumni and six at-large members. These members meet four times a year: September, December, March and July in East Lansing.
Alumni Board members have a variety of responsibilities, including promoting college events and philanthropic opportunities. They also serve as liaisons between the college, academic departments, alumni, and the agriculture and natural resources industries, among other duties. The work of the Alumni Board helps to keep the CANR community vibrant and connect.
CANR is releasing a series of spotlights on Alumni Board members. These stories will highlight each member's motivation for joining the board and share their experiences in this role.
Melvin Mance (’92, B.S. Construction Management) is an Executive Board member representing the college at large focusing on DEI. He is currently serving as the President and CEO of Enrichment Partners, LL, a Construction and Development Firm, based in Tampa FL.
How did your experience at CANR set you up for success in your career after graduation?
I believe MSU’s academic reputation, course rigor and networking provided me with a strong foundation to launch my career. During my college years, MSU had several large and small-scale projects under construction throughout campus (Breslin Center, IM East Recreation Sports Center and the Simon Power Plant Modernization to name a few). I would go to the job site to speak with the construction companies about potential opportunities after graduation. Each firm was familiar with our program and the talent pipeline. By the time I graduated, I had multiple job offers and I went to work for Gilbane Building Company.
What inspired you to become a CANR Alumni Board member?
In my role as Construction Director for McDonald’s, I often mentored and hosted summer interns, and recruited new talent in the construction/real estate industry. Becoming part of the Alumni Board would allow me to support and make an impact on my beloved university.
What advice do you have for CANR current students?
I would highly recommend the students get involved in student organizations, network/collaborate, take advantage of internships, get to know their professors and seek their insight into the respective industry.
How would you encourage other CANR alumni to get involved and connect with the college?
Serving on the Alumni board is an excellent way to support the university and invest in the future in a meaningful way. However, I think we must start early, before graduation to get students prepared to stay engaged via their alumni club/community. By way of industry outreach, club mission events, and sports events
What has been your most memorable or rewarding experience while serving on the board?
It is an absolute joy to be back on campus, listen and talk with students about issues today, provide guidance or perspective and hear program updates from department leads on all things MSU.
Learn more about the responsibilities and mission of the CANR Alumni Board and its members. To learn more about how you can get involved or serve on the CANR Alumni Board, please contact the CANR Advancement team.
