Five new members, including four Manchester alumni, have joined the University’s Board of Trustees.
Five new members, including four Manchester alumni, have joined the University’s Board of Trustees.
Timothy Almack ’76
Timothy Almack of Westfield, Ind., graduated from Manchester in 1976 with a degree in accounting. Before his retirement in 2022, Almack served as partner-in-charge of the Transportation Services Group at Katz, Sapper and Miller Business Services, Inc. in Indianapolis. A Certified Scaling Up Coach, he also founded his own coaching practice, 95 to 88, LLC.
“As an accounting graduate of Manchester, Mr. Almack provides the skills in business and accounting necessary to ensure Manchester understands the financial pressures of today's market,” President Stacy H. Young said. “He also consults in strategic planning and will bring skills to the board to help us navigate the present while focusing on the future.”
Almack volunteers with Shepherd's Gate Pantry of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church and serves on the board of directors for both the Truckload Carriers Association and the Kentucky Trucking Association.
“I attribute much of my success in public accounting to the education and practical experiences provided by my accounting professors, particularly Art Gilbert,” Almack said. “It is an honor and privilege to give back to the University by serving on the board of trustees.”
Lisa Young Alston
Lisa Young Alston of Atlanta, Ga., is the daughter of Jean Childs Young ’54 and UN Ambassador Andrew Young. A graduate of Howard University College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Sciences, Alston is now program associate at Inspiredu Atlanta—an organization that supports underserved youth as they develop digital literacy skills needed for education and career success. She serves on First Congregational United Church of Christ’s Board of Christian Education and Historic Building Renovation Committee. She has previously served on the board of directors for several nonprofit organizations, including Connecting for Good, The Bridge Home for Children, and the Jean Childs Young Institute for Youth Leadership.
“While Ms. Alston did not graduate from Manchester, she has a rich history with Manchester through her parents, Ambassador Andrew Young and Jean Childs Young, both of whom were influential members of our history,” President Young said. “Additionally, she brings unique skills with a background in engineering and nonprofit leadership.”
Manchester University’s Jean Childs Young Intercultural Center is named in honor of Alston’s mother and her legacy as an advocate for human rights and equal access to education in the United States.
“Manchester played a pivotal role in developing my mother’s beliefs in inclusion, non-violence, justice, and love,” Alston said. “The Jean Childs Young Intercultural Center is a tribute to her legacy that I want to support for Manchester students.”
Christopher Caldwell ’87
Christopher Caldwell of Newport, Vt., graduated from Manchester in 1987 with a degree in history. He is president and chief lending officer at Community National Bank in Newport, where he oversees loan production and bank operations. Caldwell also serves as a member of the Green Mountain United Way Board of Directors and capstone advisor for Stonier Graduate School. His father is Dr. Carl Caldwell, who taught at Manchester from 1971 to 1989. He recently served on the University’s advisory board for the $45 million Manchester Bold capital campaign.
“Mr. Caldwell grew up at Manchester,” President Young said. “We are excited to have his thoughtful perspectives as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future at Manchester.”
“Manchester has played, and continues to play, an important part in my life,” Caldwell said. “The school provided a liberal arts education that has continued to have an impact on how I think, work and interact with my community through service involvement. The values by which Manchester University operates and educates are important to me to continue to support.”
Thomas A. Lower ’81
Thomas Lower of North Manchester graduated from Manchester in 1981 with a degree in biology. He is senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ford Meter Box, where he has worked for 34 years. Lower currently serves on the board of directors for Daniel’s Place in North Manchester.
He was a member of Manchester University’s President’s Leadership Council before being named a trustee.
“Serving on the Manchester Board of Trustees is both a privilege and an honor,” Lower said. “I am a member of the local community of North Manchester, as well as a graduate of Manchester University. I feel as though supporting and committing my time to both is a responsibility that I am more than happy to fulfill.”
“Now a resident of Wabash County, we are excited to have Mr. Lower's sales and marketing perspectives, as well as knowledge about our community and the business world around us,” President Young said.
Noah Smith ’94
Noah smith of Fort Wayne graduated from Manchester in 1994 with a degree in business administration. He is the president and CEO of BOD Financial Group, LLC, which specializes in helping business leaders process, package and service small business administration loans. Smith has been instrumental in connecting Manchester University to Fort Wayne Community Schools, of which he is a board member. He also serves on the board of directors for Easter Seals Arc in Fort Wayne and has been a Junior Achievement volunteer since 1995.
Smith was a member of Manchester University’s President’s Leadership Council before being named a trustee.
“I would like to give back to Manchester—the University that gave me so much,” Smith said.
“Mr. Smith has remained a part of our community since graduating from Manchester, raising his family and starting a business in Northeast Indiana,” President Young said. “As an alumnus who is passionate about education and cares deeply about Manchester, we are thrilled to have his voice on our board of trustees.”
Trustees serve five-year terms.
More about Manchester’s Board of Trustees
Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester
Our mission and values
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.