The University is welcoming a new trustee, after saying goodbye to a long time member.

Michael Marsh ended his 14-year term on May 17, and will be replaced by Kevin Lake, the medical director at Columbus Southern Medical Center, who began on May 17, and will attend his first board meeting on June 26.

John Harbal, the chair of the board of trustees, ‘ said he believes Lake will take a thoughtful approach to his work, and will bring a unique perspective to the board in the years to come.

‘He doesn’t have the emotional attachment the other eight board members have,’ he said. ‘That is all right because he brings a fresh approach, a fresh set of eyes to the various situations that will come up during his trusteeship that will not influence his decision making process.’

And while he may bring new ideas to the table, the University has lost over a decade of experience with the most recent departure.

The former board of trustees member Michael Marsh spent 14 years as a trustee after completing the last five years of a previous board member.

During Marsh’s time the University saw several changes, including the development of the living and learning communities.

The communities were created to cut down the size of the residence halls to help students get to know one another better while at the University.

Marsh is currently a practicing attorney in Bowling Green, and he said he believes people should never give up on their dreams even in difficult times.

‘You have to believe and persevere, and just make things happen,’ he said.

Among those who served on the board with Marsh was Robert Sebo, the vice chair of the board of trustees, who credited Marsh for his ties with the local community during his service as a board member.

‘Not only did he contribute knowledge and intellect to the board, he created a close, smooth relationship between the University and the city of Bowling Green,’ Sebo said.