BOard of directors
Each board member serves a three year term. Each year, five board member terms expire and new elections are held. Current paid UDCA members are able to run and vote for the UDCA board.
UDCA Board Purpose:
- Maintain and support the neighborhood integrity
- Promote active partnership and membership
- Coordinate cultural and family events
- Maintain and enforce zoning ordinances and equitable tax assessments related to the use of property in the District
- Promote and monitor public improvements
- Facilitate regular communications among the members
- Represent the District concerning property taxes, levies, and other property issues
- Represent the District in legislative matters with City & State agencies
UDCA Board of Directors
Erin Ferguson
President - Executive Committee
Dinah Dittman
Vice President - Executive Committee
Jena Baker-Calloway
Treasurer - Executive Committee
Jena grew up in the University District and returned as an adult in 2019. She joined the UDCA Board in 2020 and has been involved in the Social Committee and the Executive Committee, as Board Treasurer. Jena loves this neighborhood because she grew up here, formed her earliest friendships and attended school here. She hopes her children can share her experience growing up in a caring, safe, beautiful neighborhood.
Jennifer Peeples
Secretary - Executive Committee
Jennifer was born and raised in Detroit and has been a resident of the University District since 2019. She is active on the Membership Committee, in addition to serving as the UDCA Board Secretary. She is passionate about building community and loves everything that makes Detroit shine—our culture, our people, and our unstoppable energy.
Jason Allen
Executive Committee, Chair - Block Captains
Jason moved to the University District in 2020 and joined the UDCA Board in 2025 as he was eager to contribute to the growth and vitality of our community. Since joining the Board, Jason has been chairing the Block Captain Committee. Being on the Board is important to Jason because he believes it helps to strengthen his connections with the community. preserve the character of our neighborhood and ensure that the UD continues to thrive as a welcoming and vibrant community.
Sidney Bailey, III
Chair - Special Assessment District
Sidney has been a resident of the University District since 1989 and has been serving on the UDCA Board since 2003. Sid has chaired the Special Assessment District, ByLaws, Elections, and Annual Garage Sale Committees as well as served on Residential Standards, Traffic Calming,
etc. and he served as UDCA Board Parliamentarian. Sidney first joined the Board when a neighbor challenged him to do his part, and he believes we all can contribute and have more to do!
Taylor Ficht
Chair - Communications
Taylor has been an active member of the UDCA since moving to the University District in 2021. She was involved with the planning and logistics of the 2022 and 2024 UDCA Home Tours, and has been chairing the Communications Committee since 2025. She is passionate about finding new ways for the Board to connect with residents and bringing lasting value to the community.
Brenda Goss Andrews
Brenda moved to the University District in 1992 from the west side of the city. She has previously served on the UDCA Board of Directors and was heavily involved with the Newsletter. Since returning to the Board, Brenda has been actively involved with the Social Committee. Every season, Brenda wakes up to a beautiful canopy of trees and is reminded how grateful she is to live in this enchanted neighborhood.
Lisa Jones
Co-Chair Social
Lisa moved to Michigan from Chicago in 2012 after getting marrried, she and her husband found their forever home in the University District in 2013. Lisa joined the UDCA Board in 2018 and has served on the Home Tour, Social, Special Assessment District, and Membership Committees. Lisa lovees the warmth, beauty, history and diversity of the neighborhood – there is no place she would rather live or serve.
Faye Knox
Co-Chair Social
Aniebiet McCloud
Kathleen Samul
Co-Chair Home Tour
Kathleen and her family have lived in the University District since 1977. Kathleen joined the UDCA Board in the spring of 2025 and lead the UDCA’s first ever Chalk It Up at the Park event to celebrate the re-opening of Belden-Santa Maria Park in conjunction with the Live6Alliance. Kathleen’s home was on the 2024 Home Tour, and she is looking forward to Co-Chairing the 2026 Home Tour. Kathleen enjoys participating in events that bring neighbords together as she believes it’s the best way to enrich our connections as a community.
Miranda Suman
Chair - Beauitfications, Co-Chair - Home Tour
Miranda and her husband moved to Detroit from Cincinnati in 2014, and moved to the University District in 2017 after restoring their once vacant home. Miranda currently serves as the Chair of the Beautifications Committee and the Co-Chair of the 2026 Home Tour, and is also the Block Captain for Wildemere 2. Miranda’s favorite thing about the neighborhood is the people, the University District has become her chosen family.
Jay Taylor
Chair - Elections
Peter Wolf
Board Elections
One third (5) of the Board members’ terms expire each year. This ensures that stability and consistency on the Board is maintained while assuring the opportunity for inclusion of new members and perspectives.
Eligibility
To be eligible to run and serve on the Board, a resident must be a current paid member of the University District Community Association and remain a paid member throughout the three-year term.
Requirements
Board members service entails approximately five hours per month and includes the following responsibilities:
- Attend a monthly meeting and the semi-annual general membership meetings
- Vote on issues
- Attend UDCA-sponsored social functions
- Serve on at least one committee and report on activities as required
- Represent the Board to the community
- Board members are also encouraged to submit articles to the email newsletter.
How to Become a Candidate
- Complete this application form.
- Mail to UDCA Election Committee, P.O. Box 21483, Detroit, MI 48221 or email to UDCABoard@udca.info.
Applications for the next election term are due September 30, 2026.
The Voting Process
Residents who are paid UDCA members will receive ballots in early October. Ballots must be returned by the due date noted on the ballots. The votes will be tallied and newly elected board members will be notified and announced at the Annual Winter Community meeting in early December.
info@udca.info
(313) 318-7498