The Northern Michigan University Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC) recently held listening sessions with various constituency groups. Faculty, staff and students, alumni and community members, and former NMU trustees were given the opportunity to share their thoughts regarding important characteristics for NMU's next president. About 250 people took part in one of seven virtual sessions that were scheduled, each lasting one hour.
PSAC Chair Chris Greer said she was pleased by the level of participation and thoughtful discussion.
“The comments made at the listening sessions will be invaluable to us as we begin to develop the position description for the NMU president,” Greer said. “We have transcripts of each session and will sort the comments into categories so we can emphasize what is important to our campus and community constituencies. We thank everyone who participated.”
The three questions posed to each group were:
1. What are you looking for in a president?
2. What are the current challenges?
3. Why would someone want to be president of NMU?
There is still time for interested individuals to provide input. The Presidential Search website contains a link for feedback. There is also a link on the site to nominate an individual who may have an interest in the position of NMU president.
The information gathered at the listening sessions will be used by Parker Executive Search and the search committee to develop the presidential position description. It is anticipated that on-campus interviews with candidates will take place in late April.