Meet the 2018-2019 Executive Board

LaMarcus Howard, BFSA President

LaMarcus Howard is the Associate Director of the Disability Resource Center, and previously served as Coordinator of Academic Success and Support Services at the Holman Success Center and as an Academic Adviser in the Parker Advising Center. LaMarcus earned bachelor's (social work) and master's (educational leadership, student affairs) degrees from Central Michigan University, where he served as a graduate assistant in Multicultural Academic Student Services, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Eastern. LaMarcus professional experience includes work at Central Michigan University, Saginaw valley State University and Eastern Michigan University.

LaMarcus was born and raised in Flint, Michigan and a graduate of Flint Northern High School. LaMarcus enjoys spending time with his family, especially his nephew and godsons. In the little free time that he has, LaMarcus loves to work out, read, and bowl. LaMarcus areas of interest include student success, disability services, academic advising, African American Male retention, and multiculturalism.

Email: lhoward7@emich.edu

Taquinda Johnson, BFSA Vice President

PR is more than just a career, it's a calling" is the statement that TaQuinda Johnson lives by. TaQuinda began her career in the world of public relations in 2002 while finishing her degree as a public relations student at EMU. After graduating, her journey began through the implementation of grassroots marketing and public relations for a local Christian production company, which resulted in catching the eye of local and national artists within the industry. Her experience spans from non-profit, faith-based and lifestyle brands working with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, GM Minority Dealers Association and Mastery Technologies to name a few prior to returning home to EMU.

Currently serving as the Social Media Specialist for the Division of Communications, she manages the online presence of the university, creates social media strategies and tactics focusing on new student enrollment and current student, alumni, faculty and staff engagement.

Email: tjohnson9@emich.edu

Marlene Thomas, BFSA Treasurer

Marlene Thomas is a Library Assistant III, joined the EMU family on January 1996 as a student, while raising her three children. She was hired full time on July 24, 2000. As a member of the Halle Library staff, Marlene has worked in five different departments. Marlene has two degrees from EMU: a bachelor’s degree in Accounting Information Systems and a graduate certificate in Human Resources Management. She has been a mentor for 13 years for the Summer Incentive Program (SIP) helping incoming freshmen get acclimated to campus during the summer, and is the Treasurer for BFSA. She also volunteers her time with the EMU Heart Walk and at her church.

Marlene’s children are now adults: her son has two girls and is trying to finish college; the oldest daughter had a baby in September 2015 and is trying to finish college. The youngest daughter recently graduated from the Douglas Aveda Institute. Marlene was married in October 2014 to a wonderful man who has a son; together they have a dog (Mr. Kibbles).

Email: mthom105@emich.edu

Bre McKamie

Bre McKamie, BFSA Website & Newsletter Editor

Bre McKamie is a two-time alum earning both her Master's in Educational Leadership and Bachelor's in Public Relations here at Eastern Michigan University. Currently, Bre serves as the Coordinator for the Center for Multicultural Affairs (CMA) here at EMU. She is an avid supporter of student success, more specifically the success of minoritized students.

Prior to her current position, she served as an academic advisor in EMU's College of Technology as well as the advisor for the BrotherHOOD & SisterHOOD Scholars program.

In her free time she enjoys all things fitness, traveling, and adventure. Her most exciting bucket list items include: parasailing, skydiving, traveling to Cuba, finishing the Spartan Race, and hiking the Diamond Head and Manoa Falls in Honolulu.

Email: bmckamie@emich.edu

Joi

Joi Rencher, BFSA Secretary

Email: jrencher@emich.edu

Elissa "Abby" Davis, BFSA Social Chair

Email: edavis43@emich.edu

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