Since June, Northern Michigan University has been presidentless.
Right now the university is under the temporary authority of Gavin Leech.
A week ago the Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC) sent an email blast to all NMU students. In this email they announced they dwindled their precious 11 presidential candidates down to four.
These four candidates will be visiting campus throughout the next month to get a feel of the campus, its stakeholder groups and of course, meet NMU students.
As of right now, we have no clue who these candidates are. Their names and resumes will be made available a day prior to their campus visit.
NMU students have two opportunities to meet with these candidates, one student-only forum and one open to the public.
To an outsider this may seem all very dramatic. Keeping the identities of these candidates hidden until the day before they come onto campus seems a little much.
When walking on campus since these emails have been sent, I’ve heard students murmuring asking why they should even care.
NMU’s 18th president has some big shoes to fill.
During his tenure as NMU President, Dr.Brock Tessman did a lot for the students here. Tessman had great connections with powerful NMU alumni, who donated great amounts of money to the school. These donations impacted students directly. Many of you know Howard Schultz, NMU Alumni class of ‘75, donated a generous lump of money, which in turn aided first-generation students and student-athletes to handle the cost of housing and meal plans.
I was fortunate enough to have a more personal connection to Tessman. Being the News Editor for the North Wind meant I got to interact with him on several occasions. Just because he knows me on a more personal level because of my job doesn’t mean I’m special. He tried to be with all students he interacted with. I remember when he would walk around NLD asking us what we wanted to see different.
This presidential election should mean a lot to students.
Having a president that has a drive to make the university better for its students is something we should care about.
It’s clear things need to change on this campus. There’s an insane parking problem on campus, and we of course can’t forget about the room stacking on campus.
Right now we students hold power in this election. We hold power in our future.
The PSAC has sent these dates so we can be involved, and we should.
If you have the time to meet with these candidates while they’re on campus, you should attend, even if you don’t want to ask a question, surveys are open on the PSAC’s website so you can give feedback without even verbally interacting with anyone.
I’m not saying we need another Tessman. That’s an impossible ask. NMU needs a fresh face for its new era. As current students, we have the duty to set this university up for success while we’re here and for the future students who haven’t stepped foot on campus.
On Campus interviews for Presidential Candidates:
- Candidate 1 – September 29 – 30
- Candidate 2 – October 2 – 3
- Candidate 3 – October 6 – 7
- Candidate 4 – October 9 – 10
Student Forum Schedule for Candidate Visits:
- Student (open to all students)
- 1:45 – 2:30 p.m.
- Peninsula II
- Monday, September 29
- Thursday, October 2
- Monday, October 6
- Thursday, October 9
Community and Alumni Receptions (Open to the public):
- 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
- Ballroom IV
- Monday, September 29
- Thursday, October 2
- Monday, October 6
- Thursday, October 9
For more information on the presidential search check out PSAC’s website here.
