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Trustees give Dunn high marks

Sept. 18, 2009

KALAMAZOO--Praising Western Michigan University President John M. Dunn for his leadership, commitment and accessibility, WMU trustees today voted unanimously to extend his contract for an additional two years and increase both his base salary and deferred compensation.

"It's clearly the board's opinion that there has been… a continuation of his outstanding leadership; his outstanding commitment to not only this university, but to this community; and his dedication to the success of our university," said Kenneth V. Miller, chair of the WMU Board of Trustees, in announcing the boards intentions.

"He has brought and continues to bring stability to this campus and a high morale at a time of economic uncertainty, for which we are all very grateful. And he remains very visible and accessible…to university students, faculty, employees and to, frankly, just about anybody in this community."

Dunn came to WMU in July 2007 under a five-year contract that runs through June 2012. The board's action extends that contract through June 2014, and extends and increases his existing deferred compensation benefit. The board also enacted a 2 percent base salary increase for the president.

The 2 percent increase brings Dunn's base salary to $362,457. In accepting the praise of the board and commenting on the pay adjustment, Dunn expressed his appreciation to the board for the opportunity to serve and for the board's support. He said he and his wife, Linda, plan to donate the full amount of the salary increase--just over $7,100--to student scholarship funds at the University. The couple made a similar donation in 2008 after the board increased Dunn's salary.

"We have the honor and privilege of being part of this for a period of time, and our goal and commitment each and every day is to sustain and enhance what we have here, and make sure it is always what it should be for future generations and those who follow us," Dunn told the board.

"So I'm very, very thankful and very appreciative of your confidence and your support."

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Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
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