Distinguished Alumni Award

Kevin M. Cotter '99 and '02 is a dedicated alumnus who has earned two degrees from Central Michigan University.  Born and raised just miles from CMU's campus his connection to the university and the central Michigan region runs deep.  Kevin is a professional whose accomplishments are emblematic of the entrepreneurial, hard-working values that CMU seeks to instill in each and every one of its graduates.

Representative Cotter holds a Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurship and Business Administration and a Master of Science Degree in Administration. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. In 2010 he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, has won two re-elections, and is currently in his final term as a state representative.  In 2014, Cotter was honored by the Michigan Association of Drug Court Professionals with the Legislator of the Year award for his work with the Mental Health Court and DWI interlocking legislation.  Most recently his colleagues elected him as Speaker of the House for the 2015-16 legislative session. 

Throughout his tenure as a state representative, Cotter has been a steadfast supporter of Central Michigan University within the state legislature, providing an invaluable voice to the university in a legislative environment where competition for attention and support is fierce among Michigan's other public universities and community colleges.

Representative Cotter is an annual contributor to the university and a display case in the Education Building is named in his honor. Kevin and his wife Jennifer are lifelong residents of Isabella County and currently residing in Chippewa Township in Isabella County and are expecting their first child this fall.