President

Central Michigan University’s Board of Trustees invites nominations and applications for the position of President. The successful candidate will succeed Dr. Robert O. Davies, who will be stepping down from the presidency in December 2024 after serving the University with distinction since his appointment in 2018.

Established in 1892 and located in Mount Pleasant, CMU is a nationally ranked research university (R2) that fosters the transformative power of advanced learning while embracing a sense of community among its students, faculty, staff, and more than 250,000 alumni around the world. CMU has more than 14,000 students on campus and online enrolled in over 200 academic programs at the undergraduate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral levels. Additionally, CMU has a College of Medicine to address a growing shortage of primary care physicians in Michigan.

From its roots as a teachers’ college, CMU has grown to offer nationally acclaimed programs in areas ranging from the health professions and engineering to business and communications to science and technology. The University is defined by the success of its students and alumni and by their collective impact with the communities they serve.

The President serves as the University’s chief executive officer and reports to the Board of Trustees. The President provides oversight of a $434 million budget and provides leadership in support of advancing the University’s mission.

CMU’s next President will have the opportunity to lead a storied university toward future success. The President will be expected to advance the University’s current strategic plan, achieve financial and enrollment stability, further inclusive excellence and belonging broadly across the community, strengthen external relationships and visibility, and invest in human resources and university operations.

CMU seeks a President who has a record of impactful leadership at the most senior levels within an organization of similar size and complexity as CMU. This individual should have a passion for public higher education, embody innovation and strategic acumen, and be capable of crafting a distinct vision for the institution, all while respecting its rich legacy and purpose. An earned doctorate is preferred. In lieu of a terminal degree, candidates may have a demonstrated record of successful executive leadership and comparable credentials, and/or experience sufficient to garner the respect and confidence of the University community.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. The search will be conducted with full confidentiality for candidates. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile found at www.wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting Central Michigan University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by July 24, 2024.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal.

Nominations And Inquiries Can Be Directed To

Zachary A. Smith, Ph.D., Christine J. Pendleton, and Ashlee Winters Musser at CMUPresident@wittkieffer.com.

CMU, an AA/EO institution, strongly and actively strives to increase diversity and provide equal opportunity within its community. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.