Fostering a Caring University climate at CMU

In numerous meetings and events at Central Michigan University, CMU President Neil MacKinnon has referenced the lessons he’s taken away from “The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace After the Great Resignation.” The book, written by Kevin McClure, Ph.D., examines the toll years of change have taken on the higher education sector and the impact it has had on faculty and staff working at the nation’s colleges and universities.

“The whole point of the book is to explain prominent problems of the higher education workplace, excavate their roots in the cultures and structures of organizations, and then describe organization-level changes that offer colleges and universities a pathway to move beyond the Great Resignation,” McClure writes in the book’s introduction.

In March, McClure will share highlights from his book and engage with university leaders during a visit to the CMU campus, MacKinnon said.

“CMU is already modeling many of the behaviors and strategies outlined in The Caring University, but there is more we can and should do to ensure everyone feels valued and supported,” MacKinnon said. “Members of the President’s Cabinet and many of the university’s Senior Leadership Team have read the book, and we are discussing these lessons and looking for ways to implement positive changes.”

MacKinnon said he and several university leaders will meet with McClure to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing CMU. A public conversation with McClure will be held from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, in the Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium in the CMU Park Library. A livestream option will be available for anyone unable to attend in person. 

“I hope many students, especially those studying educational leadership, and faculty and staff will tune in to learn from Dr. McClure,” MacKinnon said. “We all play a role in shaping our environment, and we can all take steps to ensure the well-being of our friends and colleagues.”