CLEVELAND, Ohio (Aug. 11, 2025) — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently appointed two new members to the Cleveland State University (CSU) Board of Trustees. Student Abigail Blackburn’s term began June 27, 2025, and will end May 2027. Michael Klein, CPA will serve in an ex officio role, coinciding with his role as chair of the Cleveland State University Foundation, Inc. Klein’s term began July 1, 2025.

“The unique viewpoints that both Abigail and Michael bring to the table are essential to our work as the governing body of Cleveland’s public university,” said Timothy Cosgrove, 

chair of the CSU Board of Trustees. “The Cleveland State University Board of Trustees is grateful for their appointments and welcomes these committed members of the CSU community to the Board.”

Blackburn has attended Cleveland State University since the fall of 2022 to earn her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. She also serves as member of the University’s chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and is a former member of the women’s golf team. After completing her undergraduate degree, Blackburn intends to continue her studies at Cleveland State in an accelerated master’s degree program.

She earned an honors diploma from Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio, and completed general education courses at Stark State College prior to graduation.

“As the University fulfills its commitment to the experience and success of its students, I am eager to join the Board of Trustees and share my insight as a current student,” said Blackburn.

Klein is a partner of the Audit and Accounting Services Department at the CPA firm Ciuni & Panichi, Inc. With more than 30 years in the field, he has extensive experience managing the firm’s not-for-profit group and addressing the accounting and tax issues that directly impact 501(c)(3) corporations and other not-for-profit organizations.

Klein is also the chair of the Cleveland State University Foundation, Inc., an independent, not-for-profit organization that raises, receives and manages private gifts for the University. He has been a member of the University’s Accounting Department Advisory Board for over 20 years and is a prior recipient of the Accounting Department’s Alumnus of the Year Award.

Klein is a proud double graduate from Cleveland State University, where he earned both his MBA with an emphasis in finance and his bachelor’s degree in accounting.

“The CSU Foundation does incredible work to support students, faculty, athletics, programming and more,” said Klein. “By serving on both boards, I can ensure the Foundation’s priorities are aligned with the University’s strategic vision.”

“I am so appreciative of Michael and Abigail in volunteering their time, talent and energy to our University,” said Laura Bloomberg, Ph.D., president of Cleveland State. “When our Board includes Trustees who bring experience as students and alumni, we deepen our understanding of CSU’s legacy as together we build for our future.”