Cornerstone University Launches President’s Industry Council

Cornerstone University is pleased to announce the formation of the President’s Industry Council — a collaborative partnership with distinguished CEOs and accomplished leaders from diverse industries dedicated to strengthening the nation’s workforce and preparing students and graduates to contribute meaningfully in their fields.

“I am delighted to welcome these experienced leaders to the President’s Industry Council as partners in sharpening our market position as we continue to prepare mission-focused, morally grounded, market-ready graduates,” said President Gerson Moreno-Riaño. “As advisors, they will help us anticipate emerging industry and workforce needs — bringing insight into the durable skills, innovations, moral frameworks, and workplace realities impacting our future. Cornerstone is committed to continue providing the return on investment students and families deserve and which will meet the great needs of our current and future society and market.”

In today’s fast-evolving economy, the challenges in higher education to stay relevant are rising: 80% of hiring managers report that recent graduates haven’t met expectations in the past year,¹ and nearly 60% of employers say recent college graduates are unprepared for the workforce.²

The president continues, “Cornerstone understands from our workforce partners that knowledge alone is not enough — graduates across every industry must also bring applied experience, adaptability, and strong moral reasoning and ethical grounding.”

To meet this evolving need, the university developed the Cornerstone Advantage™ — a distinctive approach that integrates academic excellence, Christ-centered, Biblically grounded moral formation, leadership development, experiential learning, and talent acceleration.

The President’s Industry Council builds on this educational approach, aligning curricula, internships, and training partnerships with emerging workforce needs. The council’s members represent diverse industries — from business, health care and social services to ministry, technology, entrepreneurship, and public leadership. Together, they bring a wealth of insight into the trends and opportunities shaping today’s workforce and tomorrow’s marketplace. Their perspectives help Cornerstone bring together world-class academics with the realities of professional life while keeping a Christian worldview at the center.

Members

• Johnny Brann Jr. – President & Owner, Interphase Interiors; Serial Entrepreneur
• Corey B. Brooks – CEO, Project H.O.O.D. and Pastor of New Beginnings Church of Chicago
• Kristin Collier – Director of University of Michigan Medical School Program on Health, Spirituality and Religion
• Keith Cureton – CEO, Bethany Christian Services
• Kevin Cusack, Managing Director/Investments, Stifel
• Mark Johnson – Co-Founder and Partner, Michigan Software Labs
• Mary Ann Gomez Orta – President & CEO, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute
• Roger Spoelman – Chair of the Board, BAMF Health
• Troy Vugteveen – President & CEO, Trillium Living

Through the President’s Industry Council, Cornerstone expands upon its mission to reflect the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all aspects of career, life, and societal influence.

If you are interested in more information regarding the new council or in exploring our distinctive 65 plus degrees, contact admissions@cornerstone.edu.

¹HR Dive, Recent grads unprepared for workforce, employers say, May 2024.

²Education Week, Gen Z Lacks Job-Readiness Skills, Survey Shows, Dec. 2023.