Dear WMU community,
We have begun the process to identify Western Michigan University’s 10th president, who will guide WMU in our next era of excellence.
Led by Trustees James L. Liggins Jr. and Kara Wood, a Presidential Search Advisory Committee composed of students, faculty, staff and external stakeholders has been formed to assist the Board of Trustees in this crucial endeavor.
While the board is responsible for managing the search process and ultimately selecting the University's president, we value and seek the perspectives of our multiple stakeholders to inform our decision.
As we navigate this search for Western’s next visionary leader, who is expected to begin their role in July 2025, we will continue our momentum as a campus committed to holistic, experience-driven learning and upholding our institution’s motto, "So that all may learn."
Thank you for your support and dedication as we embark on this journey together.
Warm regards,
Shelly Edgerton
WMU Board of Trustees Chair
Presidential Search Advisory Committee
The Presidential Search Advisory Committee, which is co-chaired by trustees James Liggins Jr. and Kara Wood, is composed of colleagues from across Western's campuses, along with two individuals from the broader community who have deep ties to WMU. They will participate in the search process and provide input to the board.
Meet the search advisory committee members
Jim Culhane, Director of Principal Gifts, Senior Associate Athletic Director, University Advancement and Intercollegiate Athletics
Paula M. Davis, Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications, Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications
Jason DeGeorge, Chair, College of Aviation
Dr. Jim DeMello, Professor and Chair, Department of Finance and Commercial Law, Haworth College of Business
Dr. Laura Dinehart, Dean, College of Education and Human Development
Greg Dobson, Chief Operating Officer and Principal, AVB; WMU Alumni Association Board of Directors
Sherrie Fuller, Specialist of Diversity Education, Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Dr. Deveta Gardner, Associate Dean, Merze Tate College
Monique Haley, Associate Professor, Department of Dance, School of Theatre and Dance, College of Fine Arts
Dr. Brian Horvitz, Professor, Educational Leadership, Research and Technology, College of Education and Human Development
Alex Kasprzyk, President, Western Student Association
Dr. Kristina Lemmer, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Larry Lueth, Chairman of the Board, First National Bank of Michigan; WMU Foundation President
Jocelyn Medina, President, Graduate Student Association
Dr. Amy Naugle, Professor, Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences; Faculty Senate President
Dr. Reetha Raveendran, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Division of Student Affairs
Dr. Malia Roberts, Interim Senior Director of Graduate College Enrollment, Graduate College
Dr. Alex Santos, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, College of Health and Human Services
Dr. Remzi Seker, Vice President for Research and Innovation
Keanah Smith, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Intercollegiate Athletics
Bryan Sutton, Environmental Control Person, Facilities Management
Sara Volmering, Marketing Manager, University Libraries
Dr. Ying Zeng, Interim Associate Provost for Global Education, Director of Asian Initiatives, Haenicke Institute for Global Education