Montgomery begins his tenure as WMU's ninth president

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Dr. Edward B. Montgomery begins his tenure as the ninth president of Western Michigan University Tuesday, Aug. 1, with a full day of activities that include meeting with the University's academic leadership and area media as well as reaching out to the campus community to offer some insights.

Montgomery was selected in April by the WMU Board of Trustees. He comes to WMU from Washington, D.C., where he had served as the dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University since 2010. Earlier, he served the Obama administration as executive director of the White House Council on Auto Communities and Workers—leading to the popular press description of him as the "Auto Czar."

Montgomery, who has more than 35 years of experience in higher education, succeeds Dr. John M. Dunn, who has served as WMU president for the past decade.

Montgomery will begin his first day on the job in his Seibert Administration Building office before attending a morning meeting of academic leadership gathered as part of the WMU Provost Council. He will meet with area media for an informal press availability, then begin a round of meetings, phone calls and orientation to the University.

Planning already is underway for Montgomery's formal installation as president during inauguration events set for Sept. 15 and 16. The date was chosen to coincide with WMU's annual CommUniverCity celebration, putting the celebratory focus on the importance of University-community partnerships and their potential for the future.

Inaugural events are expected to attract community civic and political leaders and the leaders of colleges and universities from around the county. Events will include a formal installation ceremony in Miller Auditorium and a picnic on the adjoining Fountain Plaza on Friday, Sept. 15. On Saturday, planned events include the CommUniverCity tailgate tent party followed by the Bronco football vs. Idaho game on Saturday night.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.