November 21, 2025

Columbus State University has appointed seven distinguished community and business leaders to the CSU Foundation Board of Trustees. Each brings a breadth of professional expertise and a deep commitment to advancing the university’s mission of transforming lives through education, innovation and community impact.

The CSU Foundation Board of Trustees supports the university by stewarding philanthropic investments, advising on long-term financial and strategic priorities, and strengthening community partnerships that advance the university’s mission. Their efforts have created an endowment for the university that’s currently valued at more than $100 million.

Joining the CSU Foundation Board of Trustees, now chaired by Will White of Greystone Properties, are:

Dr. Champ Leroy Baker III, Physician, Hughston Clinic
Baker is a respected physician whose work at the Hughston Clinic reflects a commitment to health, research and community well-being. He also serves as CSU Athletics’ team physician, following in his late father’s footsteps.

Cecil Cheves, Attorney, Lockwood Partners LP
Cheves, a retired attorney, brings years of legal and business leadership to the board. His career spans private practice, civic engagement and strategic advisory roles across the region.

Laura Gower, Director of Government Affairs, Highline
Gower has an extensive background in legislative affairs, previously serving as a regional director for U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson and Kelly Loeffler, and as a field director for U.S. Representative Drew Ferguson.

Kenneth “Ken” M. Henson Jr., Columbus Attorney & Real Estate Developer
Henson has deep knowledge of real estate development, law, entrepreneurship and local historic preservation, including the former Coca-Cola Bottling Plant and the City Mills hotel in Columbus.

Stephanie Hunter, Attorney
With more than 33 years of experience in government, elder law, civil and human rights, non-profit law and general practice, Hunter brings valuable legal insight and a strong record of public service to the Foundation Board.

M. Heath Schondelmayer ’03, Division CEO, Synovus
A 2003 MBA graduate of CSU’s Turner College of Business & Technology, Schondelmayer brings corporate leadership experience and will be key to continuing a strong local corporate connection to the university.

William “Bill” Turner III, Partner, Yates Insurance Agency
Turner brings decades of experience in business leadership, insurance services, and community engagement.

“We are honored to welcome these exceptional community leaders to our Foundation Board of Trustees,” said CSU President Stuart Rayfield. “Their collective experience, community insight, and dedication to Columbus State University will help propel our institution forward as we continue to reimagine what’s possible for our students and our region.”

At a recent board meeting, Rayfield also announced she has appointed Rob Stone as the university's senior liaison for Fort Benning and the Maneuver Center of Excellence. As executive deputy to the installation’s commanding general, Stone is the principal advisor and senior civilian subject-matter expert on Force Management and Fielded Force Integration and Requirements determination.

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Main image: headshots of new CSU Foundation Board of Trustees appointments (left to right, top row): Baker, Cheves, Gower and Hensen; (bottom row) Hunter, Schondelmayer, Turner and Stone.

Media contacts: Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu