Messages

Serving WMU has been my honor
Sep. 12, 2024
Seven years ago, we charted a course for Western Michigan University focused on student success. Their success would be our success, and we have accomplished many things together in the intervening years. That’s why it gives me great joy to share with you that we have achieved a new University record for our retention rate—81.1%.

2023-24 State of the University address
Oct. 25, 2023
During his speech, President Montgomery reflected on the importance of capitalizing on momentum and challenged the University to achieve specific student success metrics.

We are in mourning with MSU community
Feb. 14, 2023
We offer condolences and deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones or have been affected by the shootings that took three lives and critically injured five other people at Michigan State University Monday evening. WMU offers resources for support for students, faculty and staff.

Our new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Nov. 17, 2022
Following a nationwide search, Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig comes to us from the University of Kentucky, where he currently serves as dean of its College of Education. He has led the charge to raise the college’s profile and championed the strategies that helped increase its enrollment and diversity.

New 24/7 mental health resource added to support students
Sept. 15, 2022
Western has partnered with Uwill, a service that provides free access to teletherapy 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year.

2022-23 has arrived with momentum
Aug. 31, 2022
As a community, we have the momentum that will propel us into a successful academic year ahead.

We mourn recent tragic losses of life
Aug. 29, 2022
With sadness, I’m writing with very painful news affecting members of our campus community.

Hybrid work schedule guidelines for nonbargaining employees
June 21, 2022
Across industries and sectors, many organizations are rethinking how and where work duties can be fulfilled without compromising excellence in the delivery of their missions.

Commemorating Juneteenth
June 16, 2022
While we have come a long way, we have a very long way to go. Each one of us can play a role in creating a more just world and culture of change here at the University and beyond.

Initial Employee Engagement Survey results are available to review
April 27, 2022
Three years ago, we launched the WMYou Employee Engagement Survey to assess our workplace culture and help measure progress on the University's strategic goals. As a result, we committed to enhancing our collaboration, communication and engagement.

2021-22 State of the University address
April 5, 2022
As we entered the pandemic, no one knew for certain where that road would lead, but I was confident that we would emerge a stronger University because of you. We have done just that, and I’ll share some evidence that while this pandemic affected all of us in many ways, we are emerging steeled for a new future. 

Ending required testing among COVID-19 protocol changes amid state's recovery phase
March 25, 2022
We are now seeing evidence that the communal risks associated with COVID-19 have been declining on our campus, in our county and state, and across the nation.

Please join me on April 5 for the State of the University address
March 21, 2022
Please join me on Tuesday, April 5, at 2 p.m. in the Bernhard Center North Ballroom to learn more about where we stand today and to discuss how our interconnected, forward-facing strategies are bringing together the best of what Western has to offer to meet the needs of 21st century students. 

We stand with the people of Ukraine 
Feb. 25, 2022
We are saddened by and condemn in the strongest possible terms the aggression and bloodshed unfolding in Ukraine.

Take the WMYou Employee Engagement Survey
Feb. 21, 2022
We are once again conducing the WMYou Employee Engagement Survey.

Keep up healthy habits: COVID-19 cases continue to decline
Feb. 8, 2022
Your efforts are making a difference.

Join me in thanking Dr. Jennifer Bott for her service to WMU
Feb. 8, 2022
Yesterday, Dr. Jennifer Bott, provost and vice president of academic affairs, stepped down.

COVID-19 update: Expanded vaccination definition now includes booster
Jan. 4, 2022
As we begin a new calendar year, we have made important updates to our pandemic-response protocol.

WMU selects new director for intercollegiate athletics
Dec. 23, 2021
After an extensive national search, we have selected Dan Bartholomae as Western Michigan University's director for intercollegiate athletics.

Empowering the Futures of Michigan students, families
Dec. 9, 2021
We've traveled to Detroit, over to Grand Rapids and back to Kalamazoo to announce the greatest expansion of financial and programmatic support.

Our community mourns the loss of Bailey Broderick
Nov. 3, 2021
Today is a very sad day at Western Michigan University as we mourn the passing of sophomore student Bailey Broderick.

Kathy Beauregard plans December retirement, national search for new AD to start immediately
Nov. 1, 2021
It is with a sense of sadness but deep appreciation that I am announcing Director of Athletics Kathy Beauregard has decided to retire.

Search Advisory Committee set for Vice President for Research and Innovation
Oct. 19, 2021
Today, I'd like to introduce the dedicated members of the Search Advisory Committee.

Staff Compensation System 2021-22 pay adjustment
Oct. 13, 2021
Staff Compensation System employee pay increases.

COVID-19 testing required of unvaccinated Broncos
Aug 12, 2021
Today I am announcing a major update to the University's COVID-19 protocols.

President Montgomery announces Empowering Futures gift
June 8, 2021
The Empowering Futures gift will fund scholarships, advance medical education and research, support faculty expertise, increase athletic competitiveness and make possible numerous other initiatives.

Update: campus climate survey results and RJAC progress
May 25, 2021
A message to students with an update on the work of the Racial Justice Advisory Committee and the results of the campuswide diversity climate survey. 

Join me in congratulating Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy
May 14, 2021
Today I am sharing the news that Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, vice president for research and innovation, has accepted a position as president at Illinois State University.

A time to celebrate student and campuswide achievement
April 28, 2021
What a difference a year makes!

Marking a challenging year, celebrating your successes
April 28, 2021
With just days remaining in a successful-yet-challenging academic year, it's a great time for us to pause and reflect on what we have accomplished together.

Verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial
April 20, 2021
The verdict that was rendered tonight in Minneapolis has me thinking of a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quote: "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice."

With safety policies in place, return to campus on track for July 6
April 14, 2021
The warm weather and our blooming campus landscape signals both spring and the last few weeks of the semester.

It's Giving Day: You can make a difference for WMU
April 14, 2021
Today marks Western Michigan University's fourth annual Giving Day, an opportunity for all of us to come together in support of the great people and programs that elevate our University.

Respecting Differences 2021: Racial trauma and working together for healing
April 8, 2021
Western Michigan University is proud to take part in the 22nd Respecting Differences diversity program on Wednesday, April 14.

Fall 2021 return to campus
March 23, 2021
We are pleased to announce our plans for fall 2021 in which we will safely return to near-normal operations and the majority of our courses will be offered face to face. 
 

Discrimination has no place in our society or at Western
March 21, 2021
Through the COVID-19 world health crisis over the past year, we have witnessed examples of the best in us: the heroism displayed by medical professionals and first responders here and across the globe putting their lives at risk to care for those sick with a novel, potentially deadly coronavirus for which vaccination has only recently become available.

Budget update for 2020-21, wage reductions ending early
Jan. 27, 2021
I'm delighted to announce a bit of good news today and the hope for brighter days it signals.

Strategic Resource Management on track, approaches key milestone
Jan. 19, 2021
With about six months to go before implementation, we are nearing a key milestone in our Strategic Resource Management (SRM) development project. 

King's vision offers a response to our current strife
Jan. 13, 2021
The horrifying violence that recently took place at our nation's Capitol was designed to prevent the certification of election results and has left us shaken and concerned for the future of our democracy.

Classes resume in virtual mode Jan. 11 and in previously scheduled modalities Jan. 19
Dec. 18, 2020
In accordance with the Governor's request, WMU will resume classes in distance education mode on Monday, Jan. 11 and will return to other modalities as indicated on class schedules beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19, immediately following the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. 

WMU providing new leave time provision in 2021 for COVID-19-related needs
Dec. 9, 2020
Beginning Jan. 11, 2021, the University will offer the opportunity to access up to 40 hours of paid leave for COVID-19-related issues. 

WMU's diversity training programs advance our values, comply with federal regulations
Nov. 23, 2020
This fall, President Trump issued an executive order that has led some organizations to suspend diversity training programs provided to their employees. 

Campus climate survey to begin Oct. 5
Oct. 2, 2020
On Monday, Oct. 5, Western Michigan University will initiate a campuswide diversity climate study.

Governor Whitmer signs Michigan's FY 2020-21 state budget
Sept. 30, 2020
Today Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the state budget for fiscal year 2020-21, which begins Oct. 1. 

New Racial Justice Advisory Committee, Mountaintop Initiatives will address systemic racism
Sept. 23, 2020
As we begin our new academic year, we must summon the demonstrated, collective will on our campus.

COVID-19 dashboard enhancements, operational contingencies
Sept. 21, 2020
We are solving problems as they arise and adapting as we find new and better ways to manage in this unprecedented time.

Trustees adopt 2020-21 budget
Sept. 17, 2020
Early planning is paying off and the creativity and tenacity that we all bring to managing problems as they occur are providing reason for optimism that can carry us forward.

Penalties for violating COVID-19 safety rules in student code, including hosting prohibited parties
Aug. 28, 2020
Everyone on campus is eager to welcome you next week for the start of our fall semester. 

Fall plans for in-person instruction remain in place
Aug. 19, 2020
Recently, some universities have made headlines by choosing to move their fall courses online.

WMU releases Safe Return Plan for fall semester
July 17, 2020
With a month and a half to go before we start fall semester, we have a strong plan that will allow us to come back together on Sept. 2.

WMU's Safe Return Plan and the latest updates on personnel, budget
July 17, 2020
Today, I'm pleased to share our University's Safe Return Plan. 

While following new federal rules, WMU to continue welcoming, strongly supporting international students
July 10, 2020
Western Michigan University has a long history of welcoming the world to Kalamazoo, and we enroll more than 1,700 international undergraduate and graduate students. We are also proud of having alumni in more than 140 countries.

Campuswide update: The fall 2020 schedule has been set
June 22, 2020
After a great deal of planning, we are very pleased to let you know that on Sept. 2 we will return to in-person instruction for the 2020-21 academic year.

A call for collective action in the face racial injustice
June 8, 2020
For the past two weeks, people across our nation and our world have been ceaselessly raising their voices in protest to demonstrate outrage at the senseless killing of George Floyd and to demand change in the broken systems and forces that led to his death.

WMU values human decency and understanding
May 30, 2020
Our hearts are broken at the violence, discrimination and hatred we have seen unfolding upon our screens and across our nation.

Personnel steps in response to the COVID-19 crisis
April 30, 2020
While we were not able to do so in person, last week we marked an important milestone in the lives of our students—their graduation.

WMU’s budget realities and next steps
April 23, 2020
It has been only six weeks since our last Board of Trustees meeting on March 12. In that brief span of time, it is alarming the degree to which the world has changed.

State budget and staff compensation update
Oct. 2, 2019
As you may have heard, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the state’s fiscal year 2020 budget late Monday night and made decisions about reprogramming agency funding levels on Tuesday.

State of the University 
Sept. 20, 2019
Read the full text of President Montgomery's address.

Your voice has been heard, thank you
July 19, 2019
In March, I asked you to take part in the first employee engagement survey Western Michigan University has pursued in years.

21st annual Respecting Differences event: Understanding Unconscious and Implicit Bias
April 4, 2019
As stakeholders of Western Michigan University, we carry a collective responsibility for creating an environment in which every person is respected, appreciated and has an opportunity to succeed.

Our enduring commitment to diversity and inclusion
Oct. 30, 2018
Today, families in my childhood neighborhood in Pittsburgh began laying to rest 11 loved ones, gunned down in anti-Semitic hate. Among them is the mother of my childhood friend.

WMU WeVote Initiative
Sept. 28, 2018
At Western Michigan University, our job is to promote student success and to better prepare students for thoughtful citizenship.

State of the University Address
Sept. 14, 2018
It's great to be here with you all at the onset of this new academic year. It seems like just yesterday I was standing before you delivering my first State of the University address.

New vice president for diversity and inclusion
July 23, 2018
Dr. McCorkle is an experienced higher education administrator, a professor and a diversity leader. She is committed to not only sustaining our culture of inclusivity but also assuring WMU is the "gold standard for diversity and inclusion."

New vice president for marketing and strategic communication 
May 24, 2018
This afternoon, we will issue a news release announcing Tony Proudfoot as our new vice president for marketing and strategic communication. He was offered and has accepted the position. His appointment is effective June 27.

Our new provost
May 17, 2018
Following a nationwide search, a round of campus interviews and presentations, and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, Dr. Jennifer P. Bott of Ball State University emerged as the clear choice for our University. She was offered and has accepted the position. Her appointment is effective July 1.

Our commitment to a campus culture of safety and respect
April 18, 2018
Western Michigan University is committed to creating and fostering a working and learning environment where all members of our community can thrive. We strive to be a campus where tolerance and compassion guide our daily interactions with one another. To that end, we want to make sure you are aware of information and resources to help us build and maintain a community free from incivility, discrimination and violence.

WMU's budget model 
April 13, 2018
Our existing budget model has guided our approach to financial planning for many years. While we have enjoyed balanced budgets, both the external environment and our internal operating structures have changed. Now is the time to re-examine whether the University's budget process needs to evolve to help us better align with our changing environment.

Respecting differences
March 23, 2018
As members of the Western Michigan University community, we carry a collective responsibility for creating an environment where every person can be respected, appreciated and have an opportunity to succeed.

Announcement of a VP of marketing and strategic communication 
March 8, 2018
Today, I am pleased to announce a national search is underway for a vice president for marketing and strategic communication.

Transformational Initiative Fund I announcement
Jan. 9, 2018
This morning, it's my pleasure to let you know about two new campus efforts that will be funded and implemented through the Transformational Initiative Fund I announced at Fall Convocation.

Message from President Montgomery
Jan. 8, 2018
Welcome back to campus and the start of the spring 2018 semester. I hope your winter recess was restful and that you had time to recharge, reflect, and get ready for a productive new year.

State of the University
Oct. 6, 2017
View the full text of Dr. Edward Montgomery's State of the University.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
Aug. 23, 2017
As we approach the start of the fall semester our campus is busy with preparation for the return of continuing students and the welcoming of new students to the WMU family.

Opening day message
Aug. 1, 2017
It is with a blend of both great joy and great humility that I take the reins today as Western Michigan University's ninth president.

Montgomery Board approval message
April 12, 2017
Dr. Edward Montgomery's address at the April 12, 2017, special meeting of the WMU Board of Trustees at which the board approved his appointment as the ninth president of Western Michigan University.