Office of the President
Tree of Life sculpture in the center of WMU Main Campus.

University Leadership

The Western Michigan University community is supported by four distinct groups of administrative leaders. Senior leaders are responsible for governing, setting a strategic vision, providing academic and financial oversight and serving students, faculty and staff.

Trustees Kara Wood and James Liggins Jr. with Chair Shelly Edgerton.

Board of Trustees

The WMU Board of Trustees is the governing body of the University. It comprises eight members appointed to eight-year terms by the Michigan governor.

Heritage Hall sunrise

President's Cabinet

The President's Cabinet is comprised of senior-level leaders who work in collaboration with the president to set the strategic direction of the University and develop enterprise initiatives.

Students walking across W Plaza on WMU's campus.

Senior Leadership Council

The Senior Leadership Council comprises University leaders who work closely with the cabinet, the president and colleagues across the campus on issues and decisions relevant to their responsibilities and expertise.

The exterior of Sangren Hall.

Provost's Council

Led by academic administrators, college deans and student success leaders, the Provost's Council oversees the educational mission of Western, including pedagogy, curriculum and accreditation.

President's Cabinet

Learn more about WMU's new leadership structure and the members of the President's Cabinet. 

President Russ Kavalhuna

Russ Kavalhuna

President

A professional headshot of Michelle Adams for the Cabinet Directory.

Michelle Adams

Senior Executive Assistant to the President

Jeffrey Breneman

Jeffrey Breneman

Senior Vice President for External Relations

Chris Cheatham

Dr. Chris Cheatham

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Jessie Clemence

Jessie Clemence

Director of the President's Staff

Keith Hahn

Keith Hahn

Senior Vice President for Institutional Integrity and General Counsel

Carlos Rodriguez

Carlos Rodriguez

Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business and Finance

Remzi Seker

Dr. Remzi Seker

Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation

Senior Leadership Council

Learn more about WMU's new leadership structure and each of the Senior Leadership Council members.

Dr. Diane Anderson

Vice President for Student Affairs

Paula M. Davis

Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications

Alex Gary Headshot from Athletics

Alex Gary

Vice President and Director of Athletics

Danyelle Gregory

Dr. Danyelle Gregory

Vice President for Institutional Culture and Campus Experience

Andrew Holmes

Andrew Holmes

Chief Information Officer

Barry Olson

Dr. Barry Olson

Interim Vice President for Student Affairs (as of Jan. 1)

Tony Proudfoot

Vice President for Marketing and Strategic Communications

Stacy Thinnes

Stacy Thinnes

Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Special Assistant to the President

Jan Van Der Kley

Vice President for Business and Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Jennifer Yelovina

Jennifer Yelovina

Interim Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the WMU Foundation