University launches industry council to strengthen workforce readiness
Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño
Photo courtesy of Cornerstone University
Cornerstone University has established the President’s Industry Council, a collaborative partnership with distinguished CEOs and leaders from diverse industries dedicated to strengthening the nation’s workforce and equipping students 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 Cornerstone University President, Dr. 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 rapidly changing economy, higher education faces mounting pressure to stay relevant. Research shows that 80% of hiring managers report recent graduates haven’t met expectations in the past year, and nearly 60% of employers say new graduates are unprepared for the workforce.
“The reality is clear,” Moreno-Riaño continued. “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 need, Cornerstone developed the Cornerstone Advantage™ – a distinctive educational approach that integrates academic excellence with moral formation, leadership development, experiential learning, and talent acceleration.
The President’s Industry Council builds on this foundation, aligning curricula, internships, and training partnerships with evolving workforce demands. Council members represent diverse industries, including business, health care, social services, ministry, technology, entrepreneurship, and public leadership – offering insights into the trends and opportunities shaping today’s workforce and tomorrow’s marketplace. Their perspectives enable Cornerstone to integrate world-class academics with real-world professional experience while maintaining a strong Christian worldview.
Members of the President’s Industry Council include:
Johnny Brann Jr. – President & Owner, Interphase Interiors; Serial Entrepreneur
Corey B. Brooks – CEO, Project H.O.O.D.; Pastor, New Beginnings Church of Chicago
Kristin Collier – Director, 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
West Michigan Newspop Digital Partners
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