Hillsdale Alumnus Thomas C. Shafer joins Hillsdale’s Board. | Courtesy: Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College alumnus Thomas C. Shafer ’81 joined the College’s Board of Trustees, the college announced April 10.

Shafer earned his bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College, where he studied economics, business administration, and political economy, according to a Hillsdale College press release.

Shafer graduated from the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking and began working in the banking industry. Shafer retired after working as CEO of TCF National Bank. In 2021, TCF merged with Huntington National Bank. As part of this transition, Shafer went to work for Huntington.

Although he no longer serves in these leadership capacities anymore, Shafer currently serves as a leader throughout the state, the press release said.

“Shafer serves on the Board of Directors for the Detroit Regional Chamber, Michigan Bankers Association, and is the past chairman of Detroit Public Television,” the press release said.

With these marks of leadership, Chief Administrative Officer Rich Péwé said he is confident Shafer will be a strong addition to the team.

“He has an extensive background in banking and finance and has led very large institutions,” Péwé said. “He is a very prudent man to be sure.”

According to Péwé, the goal of the board is to continue strengthening the college’s lasting mission. Board members are selected based on their ability to uphold those characteristics. “The Board is always looking for principled people who can bring new insights from their experiences in leadership and education, but also someone who will remain consistent in their commitment to help the College continue to pursue its original purposes,” Péwé said. “Courage, wisdom, prudence and character are all qualities of the Hillsdale Board member.”