UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan University Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC) has announced the schedule for campus visits by four finalists for the university’s presidency. The visits will take place between September 29 and October 10.

During their two-day visits, each candidate will meet with a range of groups, including students, faculty, staff, and campus leaders. The names and resumes of the candidates will be released 24 hours before each visit. Updates on the process can be found on the Presidential Search site.

A community and alumni reception is planned for each candidate from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Northern Center on September 29, October 2, 6, and 9. These events are open to the public. Attendees can provide feedback on each candidate through forms available on the Presidential Search Site.

The PSAC consists of both campus and community leaders and is chaired by former NMU Board of Trustees Chair Tami Seavoy of Marquette. “At the beginning of this process last spring, the campus community provided valuable input for the job description of the next president of NMU,” said Seavoy. “Our search firm, Parker Executive Search, identified 84 potential candidates. The PSAC initially narrowed that list down to 11 candidates who best met the qualifications.  After those interviews, the committee reached consensus on the four most qualified candidates to bring to campus.”

Rick Mengyan, president of NMU-AAUP/AFT faculty union and member of the search committee, said: "The Search Advisory Committee was a comprehensive representation of our community that was a diverse and well-functioning group of individuals. The process ultimately worked really well. These four finalists are all very competitive. I am looking forward to the upcoming visits."

After these campus engagements conclude, each finalist will be interviewed in person by Northern Michigan University's Board of Trustees during the week of October 13. The board plans to announce its choice as NMU’s eighteenth president following these interviews and aims for installation early next year.