A new chairman with a business background has been elected by the Cleary University Board of Trustees.

Developer Joe Parker was elected by peers as the new chairman. Parker is a longtime Livingston County resident and currently lives in Howell. The local entrepreneur owns Heart of Howell and 2FOG’s Pub in downtown Howell as well as C&B Machinery in Brighton. He also sits on the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce board. Outgoing Cleary chair Raymond King commented that Parker is the right choice for the position to keep the university’s momentum and growth moving forward.

Parker said it’s an exciting time for Cleary University with many great things happening, including growth at the Livingston campus. Cleary recently broke ground on its second student housing facility and a multi-use sports complex, both located on the campus in Genoa Township. A new culinary kitchen is also being built to add to that current program. (JM)