NEWS

CMU Trustees to approve presidential priorities for progress

President’s annual report also on agenda

| Author: Kevin Essebagers | Media Contact: Aaron Mills

The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees will meet in formal session at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, following scheduled committee meetings on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In formal session, President Neil MacKinnon will deliver the president’s annual report detailing progress on CMU’s strategic plan. MacKinnon also will lay out his presidential priorities for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, to be approved by the board.

Also in new business Thursday, trustees will:

  • Consider a motion to set the 2025-2026 goals and measures for CMU’s Strategic Plan.
  • Consider a motion to schedule a special meeting of the Board of Trustees in October to accept the external audit report of the university financial statements.

Prior to Thursday’s formal session, Trustees will tour the College of Business Administration with Dean Chris Moberg. Trustees will learn more about the initiatives, networking and hands-on learning experiences the college offers to prepare students for successful careers.

Other items on the meeting agenda include:

  • Approval of prospective summer 2025 graduates.
  • Acceptance of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies quarterly report.
  • Approval of Public School Academy activities.
  • Lease renewal of Detroit office space.
  • Approval of contracts and gift agreements.
  • Acceptance of the Advancement Private Support report.
  • Consideration of new endowments, awards and scholarships.
  • Revisions to Board of Trustees Bylaws.

Highlights for Wednesday’s committee meetings include:

  • Finance and Facilities Committee, 1:00-1:25 p.m. – Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Jonathan Webb will update trustees on completed and continuing campus construction and renovation projects. Trustees also will discuss a proposed name change from Graduate Housing to University Apartments.
  • Policy and Bylaws Committee, 1:25-1:45 p.m. – Trustees will review and recommend revisions to Board of Trustees bylaws.
  • Academic and Student Affairs Committee, 1:45-2:45 p.m. – Vice President of Student Recruitment and Retention Jennifer DeHaemers will provide an update on enrollment and the strategic enrollment management plan. Evan Montague, executive director of academic advising and student success, will update trustees on student success strategies and retention efforts. Vice President of University Engagement and Student Affairs Shawna Patterson-Stephens will provide an update on progress in her division.
  • Trustees-Faculty Liaison Committee, 2:45-3:30 p.m. – Trustees will learn more about the student hub within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Presenters are faculty member Matthew Katz, CLASS recruitment and Outreach Coordinator Josh Adams, and Career Peer Advisor Kaylynne Costello.

Agendas for the June meetings, including Wednesday’s public committee meetings and the formal session Thursday, are available on the Board of Trustees Agendas and Minutes webpage.

Board of Trustees meetings are open to the university community and members of the public. All meetings will be held in the President’s Conference Room in the Bovee University Center, with seating for up to 25 individuals in the adjoining Lake Superior Room.

All meetings are also available via live stream:

Per the Board of Trustees Bylaws, individuals wishing to address the Board of Trustees during the public comment period must submit a request in advance of the formal session in one of two ways:

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