Danialle Karmanos announced this week that she will resign from Wayne State University’s Board of Governors, effective Feb. 1, 2013, to dedicate more time to her family. Karmanos is the mother of four boys, all under the age of four.

“In the best interest of Wayne State, I humbly step aside to allow a member of my party to effectively provide the university with the attention it deserves. My love for and dedication to WSU, the students, faculty and alumni have not wavered, but family commitments must come first,” Karmanos said.

She began her eight-year term on Jan. 1, 2011. Governor Rick Snyder will appoint a replacement to fulfill the remainder of the term.

“I know this was a difficult decision for her and I respect her decision,” said incoming Board Chair Debbie Dingell. “She wants to do what is best for both her alma mater and her family. I will deeply miss her on the board, where we all work together for the best of this university.”

“Governor Karmanos brought a unique perspective to the board,” said WSU President Allan Gilmour. “Her creativity and passion will be missed.”

Karmanos is the founder and executive director of the Detroit-based Danialle Karmanos’ Work It Out, a 501(c)(3) organization that uses a holistic and yoga-based approach to fight childhood obesity in some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. She is also a philanthropist and community activist who serves on a number of nonprofit boards, as well as an award-winning writer, producer and director.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students.