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Donald Nugent

Trustee Donald W. Nugent

Donald Nugent was elected to serve on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees beginning January 1, 1995. In November 2002, he was reelected for a second eight-year term beginning January 1, 2003.

A life-long resident of Frankfort, Michigan, he and his wife Gail own and operate Nugent Farms, producing cherries and apples in Benzie and Leelanau counties.

He is also Chief Executive Officer of Graceland Fruit Cooperative, Inc., president of North American Fruit Trading Alliance, Inc., and chairman of the board of West Michigan National Bank and Trust.

In addition, he serves on the board of directors of the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation, and on the executive committee of MBI International.

His other membership activities include the Frankfort Rotary Club, Frankfort Congregational Church, Michigan Food Processors Association, Michigan Horticultural Society, Farm Bureau, and the Benzie County Republican Committee.

Some of Nugent's past services include 14 years on the Michigan Farm Bureau and affiliate company boards of directors, the Michigan Commission of Agriculture for four years (1991-94), and the Northwest Michigan College University Center Capital Campaign.

Don Nugent graduated from MSU in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. His wife Gail graduated from MSU in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in education and taught at Frankfort/Elberta Elementary School. They have two children.