Sept. 20, 2024

Ferris State President Bill Pink, Vice President David Pilgrim and foundation board chair Arlen-Dean Gaddy honored by Crain’s as Notable Black Leaders

Three Ferris State University leaders, including President Bill Pink, are being honored as Notable Black Leaders by a statewide business publication for their contributions to their communities and Michigan.

Dr. Pink and Arlen-Dean Gaddy, board chair of The Ferris Foundation, are among 29 leaders selected by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business for the honor. Dr. David Pilgrim, Ferris Sate’s vice president of Diversity, Inclusion, and Strategic Initiatives, was among 57 people highlighted by Crain’s Detroit Business.

“From law and finance to health care and construction, these Notable Black Leaders are making their mark in West Michigan in a variety of ways,” the publication noted. “They are problem-solvers, collaborators and community activists who share the common goal of driving West Michigan forward. They advocate within their industry groups and local and state government, and they support their communities through volunteerism, mentorship and education.”

Editors selected honorees who were nominated based on their career accomplishments, track record of success and contributions to their industry and community.

Pink became Ferris State’s 19th president in 2022 and is the first African American person to lead the university since it was founded in 1884.

Prink previously served as president of Grand Rapids Community College. He said a career highlight was developing the GRCC Lakeshore Campus, converting a shuttered JCPenney into a vibrant campus. He said the project is an example of the value of building community partnerships, which has been a focus during his tenure at Ferris State.

“Many people saw a shuttered department store in a struggling mall,” he told the publication. “We saw an opportunity.”

The report noted that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Pink to co-chair the Growing Michigan Together Council higher education workgroup. Locally, he serves on the boards of Corewell Health West Michigan, Heart of West Michigan United Way and The Right Place Inc.

Pilgrim’s service at Ferris State includes being the founder and director of Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery. That work includes tours of the 30,000-piece collection, public lectures, and promoting museum educational activities.

The museum’s traveling exhibit, “Overcoming Hateful Things,” just completed a stay at Wayne County Community College District’s downtown Detroit campus.

The museum continues to attract international attention to America’s civil rights struggle and emphasize the wide accomplishments of African Americans. The museum is located in the lower level of the university’s Ferris Library for Information, Technology and Education while fundraising continues for a new building to house the collection and exhibits.

Pilgrim is considered a leading expert on diversity, equity and race relations. He was named a Michigan Sociologist of the year and an Ohio State University Outstanding Alumnus of the year.

Gaddy is vice president of Erhardt Construction. He was named chair of The Ferris Foundation board of directors in 2023. The foundation supports faculty and staff work through its merit grant program and student success through opportunity endowed scholarships.

He joined Erhardt Construction in 2019 as director of market strategy and in 2023 was promoted to vice president of business development. Gaddy’s responsibilities include marketing, launching the Red Jasper Crafted Homes division and serving as the point person for Erhardt’s revenue goals.