ESCANABA — The Bay College Board of Trustees welcomed new members Steve Soderman and Dr. Katherine VanEnkevort. Steve Soderman took office in January 2025 after being elected by the voters of Delta County in November to replace Tom Butch, who retired as a trustee after 50 years of service. Dr. Katherine VanEnkevort was appointed to replace Steve Davis, who resigned from his seat on the board after seven years of service.

“It is fair to say that the Bay College Board of Trustees will never be the same with the retirement of Tom Butch. We are forever thankful for his 50 years of vision and guidance in shaping Bay College into the institution that it is today,” said Board Chair Nick Chenier. “Steve Davis’s skills, insights, and capacity to care as a board member will also be missed to a high degree. Bay College is a better place from having the service of Davis for over seven years. As a young entrepreneur and board member, I am personally grateful for the time spent learning from these two remarkable men. Looking to the future, the Board is excited to bring on Steve Soderman and Dr. Katherine VanEnkevort. The board feels fortunate to have such a well-rounded group of talented individuals that are here to bring their perspectives with the common goal to fulfil Bay College’s mission of community and student success.”

Newly elected Soderman brings business experience and executive leadership skills to the board as the CEO and a co-owner of VanAire, Inc., where he was also responsible for quality management. He holds an associate degree from Bay College and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Michigan Technological University.

“I am honored and excited to be part of the Board of Trustees for Bay College. I look forward to working with the other members of the Board and Dr. Hughes to continue Bay College’s tradition of providing quality educational opportunities that meet the current and future needs of students and our community,” Soderman said.

Dr. Katherine VanEnkevort, also a Bay College alumna, is the newest member of the Board of Trustees. She owns Speak U.P. Speech Therapy, PLLC, in Escanaba. She has provided speech-language therapy at local nursing homes, U.P. Rehabilitation Services at Doctor’s Park, and Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. Dr. VanEnkevort holds a doctorate in speech-language pathology from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in speech-language pathology, and a bachelor’s degree from NMU in communication sciences and disorders.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve my community through this role as a Trustee for Bay College. I am excited to work with this academically and experientially diverse Board and Dr. Hughes to ensure the future of Bay College as an integral educational component of this community,” VanEnkevort stated.