TESU Appoints New Foundation Board Leadership

The Thomas Edison State University (TESU) Foundation appointed new board leadership during its quarterly meeting on June 19.

Steve King, MBA ’15, BSBA ’93, a distinguished TESU alumnus and business leader with 27 years of progressive leadership experience in the information technology and financial services sectors, has been appointed as the chair of the TESU Foundation Board.

King brings an enduring commitment to educational access to his new role. As a visionary supporter of the University’s Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative, King and his wife, Kay, have helped save students more than $10 million in textbook and course material costs. Through ongoing strategic philanthropic initiatives, they have also facilitated the launch of TESU’s Credit Predictor Pro tool, enabling prospective students to evaluate prior learning credits, which allows students to pursue a more cost-effective and efficient pathway to a degree. A member of the Foundation Board since 2013, King has played a crucial role in advancing the University’s mission to provide flexible, affordable, high-quality education for students. During TESU’s 2024 Commencement, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his achievements and impact. He currently serves as the managing partner of Tulloch Investments LLC and is an investor and strategic advisor to multiple startups and early-stage technology companies.

“Serving on the Foundation Board provides an opportunity to advocate for strategic initiatives that empower students and give back to the institution that has played an essential role in my journey,” noted King. “It’s inspiring to play a role in addressing the needs of non-traditional students and offering them a pathway to success. I am privileged to be an instrumental part of TESU’s commitment to adult learners.”

Ronald “Ron” Gimbel, a seasoned executive and U.S. Army veteran, has been elected vice chair of the TESU Foundation Board. Gimbel currently serves as chief financial officer at Sumitomo Pharma America Inc. He has achieved steady career progression, focusing on strategic planning and analysis, finance operations, emerging markets, global commercialization and enterprise services. He earned his B.S. in Finance and an MBA from Colorado State University and is a former Army Ranger who served during Operation Desert Storm. He is an ardent supporter of TESU’s military and veteran community, launching the Ron Gimbel Military and Veteran Scholarship Endowed Fund for active-duty military, veteran or military dependents who have applied for, or are enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related degrees.  He joined the TESU Foundation Board in 2015.

“We are eager to have Steve King and Ron Gimbel build upon the strong foundation that Nancy Gloor and Kim Kleasen established during their tenures as TESU Foundation Board chair and vice chair,” stated Mary Heagley, vice president of Advancement at the University and executive vice president of the TESU Foundation. “Their abiding commitment to TESU’s mission, paired with their professional skills and personal dedication to our students, enhances our strategic endeavors to eliminate barriers and foster meaningful opportunities for our adult learners. Working with the University president and other academic leaders, we are confident that the Foundation can do even more to support our students’ successes towards achieving degree completion.”

Gloor and Kleasen will continue to serve the board.

Learn more about the strategic initiatives that support the students we serve by visiting tesu.edu/advancement.