The University of Olivet has announced the appointment of Veronica Murff and Sarah Jennings, CPA, CFE, CAE, to its Board of Trustees. Murff and Jennings will join the College’s leadership team with a commitment to providing a successful educational experience for all students.
“I am very pleased to have Veronica Murff and Sarah Jennings join the The University of Olivet Board of Trustees,” said President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. “Both Veronica and Sarah have extensive professional experience, outstanding leadership qualities and a passion for service. They will make wonderful contributions to the College and its mission.”
Veronica Murff
Veronica Murff recently retired after serving as a leader in the insurance industry for nearly 30 years. She opened a State Farm Insurance agency, Murff Agency, in Novi, Michigan, in 1992 and managed a book of business comprised of over 3,000 households. The agency received many awards under Murff’s leadership, including The Ambassador Life Travelers Club, a Great Lakes Leader Club member, and the State Farm Corporate Chairman’s Advisory.
During Murff’s early career, she worked in marketing and sales for the IBM Corporation for 14 years. Before leaving IBM, Murff led a team that provided sales and technical support to the K-12 and higher education community in the five counties of Metro Detroit. Murff has served on various boards, including Matrix Human Services and The Midnight Golf Program, and she is a member of the Smart Set and Detroit Carrousels clubs. She has also served as president in her local chapter of The Links, Incorporated, one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations.
Murff holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Michigan.
“I communicated my interest in getting involved with The University of Olivet in some capacity after only being retired for less than one year,” Murff said. “The College’s business and insurance vision aligns perfectly with my experience as an entrepreneur of 29 years. I am excited about the invitation to join the Board of Trustees and add value to the College and, more importantly, to our future leaders.”
Sarah Jennings, CPA, CFE, CAE
Sarah Jennings, CPA, CFE, CAE, is a principal in Maner Costerisan’s accounting and outsourced solutions department. She leads the firm’s fraud and forensics practice and its nonprofit team. Jennings oversees outsourced solutions engagements providing guidance and advisory services to client leadership and teams on financial analysis, projections and workflow. She has a particular specialization in performing fraud risk assessments and internal control process improvements for organizations across various industries.
Jennings maintains a strong desire to help her clients augment their internal controls and fraud prevention systems while minimizing their costs in the process. Jennings also performs examinations for various organizations to determine and document the extent of loss due to fraud.
Jennings regularly shares her expertise with colleagues and peers by speaking on industry-related topics, including fraud (risk areas and prevention), financial oversight, board governance and ethics. Jennings is an active volunteer and is a member of many professional and community organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and ATHENA International.
“I became introduced to The University of Olivet through the founding of and continued involvement with the Women’s Leadership Institute,” Jennings said. “Since that sneak peek, I have been impressed with the institution and the true passion of the leadership and board to further the lives of the students, not just with a diploma, but to help them grow as leaders and contributors to society. I am honored to be a part of such an impactful Board of Trustees that is forward thinking and eager to collaborate to improve the lives of the next generation of students.”
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at 800-456-7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.