Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

During its meetings this week, the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees took action on proposals for a new campus facility and investment policies, and received updates on enrollment and academic programs.

Celebrating students, faculty and staff

CMU President Neil MacKinnon used his report to the Board of Trustees to celebrate the achievements of CMU students, faculty, staff and programs.

MacKinnon highlighted student success including CM Life’s national awards, the College of Medicine’s 100% residency match rate and the gymnastics MAC championship.

He also thanked university leaders who have stepped into new roles in recent weeks, including Jennifer Simpson, the new dean of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, and Andy Bronkema, the new men’s basketball head coach.

MacKinnon also thanked current Vice President of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging Shawna Patterson-Stephens for stepping up to a greater leadership role leading CMU’s new division of University Engagement and Student Affairs, and Darcie Wilson, who will serve as Chief Transformation Officer.

President MacKinnon also shared updates on new academic programs that will prepare students to be competitive in the careers of today and tomorrow, including Applied Artificial Intelligence and Casino Gaming Operations.

Finally, MacKinnon shared that the university had received more than 120 applications for Go Grants from CMU students, faculty and staff – far exceeding his expectations. He said the Go Grant recipients would be announced before the end of the semester.

Golf training facility

In the formal session Thursday, trustees authorized funding for project design and pre-construction services for a new training facility for CMU’s men’s and women’s golf teams.

Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Jonathan Webb said the project is being funded by donations to the university. He said $5.7 million has been raised so far, with Athletics and University Advancement fundraising efforts continuing.

“The facility will be state-of-the-art. When completed, it will be the finest golf center in the NCAA, so we’re really excited about that,” Trustee Edward Plawecki, Jr. said.

Enrollment update

Jennifer DeHaemers, vice president of student recruitment and retention, provided an update on student enrollment in Wednesday’s Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting.

DeHaemers said enrollment in Summer 2025 courses is relatively unchanged from last year. She said her division is working hard to help prospective students choose CMU through personal outreach and several spring events.

“During these interactions, students tell us the reason they have decided on Central is that they feel a sense of community here as a prospective student that they don’t feel at other places they visit. That certainly is a differentiator for us,” DeHaemers said.

Other Board business

Board Chair Todd Regis started the formal session Thursday by acknowledging the service of former trustee Todd Anson, who stepped down from the board earlier this year.

“We appreciate all the service, time and treasure he gave this university,” Regis said.

The Board of Trustees granted emeritus rank to 22 faculty and staff members, honoring their years of service and dedication to CMU, and approved faculty tenure for Sanjay Kumar, associate dean and professor of Management in the College of Business Administration.

Additionally, trustees voted to approve amendments to the Pooled Operating Cash Investment Policy and the Endowment Fund Investment Policy, on the recommendation of Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, Mary Hill.

 Jefferson Campbell, dean of the College of the Arts and Media offered trustees a presentation on the college’s success and its work to evolve degree programs to meet industry needs.

“We tell stories in a million ways. That is our ethos and that is what we do,” Campbell said, explaining the college’s mission in areas including broadcasting, film, music, art,  theater and more.

New Board of Trustees awards

In February, the Board of Trustees established two new awards honoring both service to the university community and undergraduate academic achievement.

During Thursday’s meeting, trustees voted to name Special Oympics Michigan as the recipient of their first Maroon and Gold  Award for Campus Enrichment. Chair Regis cited CMU’s long history and special relationship with Special Olympics Michigan as reason for the recognition.

Trustees also acknowledged recognition for 46 undergraduate students who will receive the CMU Board of Trustees award for achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average during their time at the university. The students  will be recognized at the commencement ceremonies on May 10th.

Committee meeting highlights

In the Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting Wednesday, Trustees heard a presentation from Regan Foster, director of student media, on the recent successes of CM Life, CMU’s independent student media organization.

Foster said student journalists and staffers recently won several national recognitions, including 23 Associated Collegiate Press Awards, seven College Media Association Pinnacle Awards and one Hearst Journalism Award.

Incoming editor-in-chief Masha Smahliuk said the experience students gain at CM Life is extremely valuable.

“When CMU promised me hands-on experience and an opportunity to get a good job afterwards, I can see that CM Life is the place that is providing me with that,” Smahliuk said.

Trustee Jeff Stoutenburg added, “I think CM Life is a tremendous source of pride for the University. When I’m out in public interacting with journalists, the best ones come from CMU.”

Also in the Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting, College of Business Administration Dean Chris Moberg presented on the college’s emphasis on experiential learning and providing positive experiences for students.

Moberg said the CBA’s Office of Student Engagement — known as the HUB — supports the professional development of students. The HUB is home to the Business Residential College, CBA student ambassadors, RSO Leadership Council, Queller First Gen Scholars program, CBA undergraduate recruiting, and several conferences and events.

“It’s pretty unique for a college to have an experience-based office,” Moberg said. “It’s a great resource center where everybody matters who walks through the door.”

Moberg also said the college added three required one-hour professional development courses to strengthen students’ transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork and career management.

During Wednesday’s Finance and Facilities committee meeting, Associate Vice President of Facilities Jonathan Webb provided an update on more than 75 deferred maintenance and upcoming renovation projects.

“We have a beautiful campus, and this work helps continue to make Central Michigan University a beautiful place to go to school,” Webb said.

Webb said deferred maintenance projects scheduled or underway include:

• Wightman Hall roof replacement
• Wood floor upgrades at the Student Activity Center and Kulhavi Events Center
• Foust Hall elevator replacement
• Parking lot maintenance
• Plachta Auditorium safety and lighting upgrades

The design phase of a renovation to a heavily used space on Park Library’s first floor is complete, with the bidding process for construction now underway. Other projects planned for CMU facilities include a new virtual and augmented reality space in the College of Education and Human Services building, and renovations in Ronan and Merrill Halls.

The meeting of the Trustees-Faculty Liaison Committee included a presentation on CMU’s Bachelor of Applied Arts in Commercial Music by Jay Batzner, faculty member in the School of Music. He was joined by commercial music major Jacob McLeod and music major Maggie Bauer, who shared examples of their hands-on learning experiences in the program.

“I want to help students make the music that they want to make,” Batzner said.

In the final meeting Wednesday, Trustees heard presentations from several student leaders in the Trustees-Student Liaison Committee. Student Government Association President Carolina Hernandez Ruiz and Vice President Aashka Barot offered a report on SGA activities. Program Board President Kathlyn Allmacher and Residence Housing Association advisor Brittinie Vithanage also provided updates from their organizations.

Trustees also met incoming leaders of the student organizations for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Program Board President Kendall Fowler, Vice President of Development Christian Dunn, and Vice President of Marketing Samantha Dave.

Student Government Association President Akua Acheampong, Vice President Kathryn House, Treasurer Carnell Poindexter III, Associate Justices Jose Medina and Akshaya Baitini, and Senators Suhani Bam Thakuri and Hisham Danoun.

Consent Agenda

Trustees approved several other items on the consent agenda during formal session, including: 

• Prospective Spring 2025 graduates.
• Honorary degrees for alumni commencement speakers.
• Public school academy changes.
• International student orientation fee increase of $25.
• Lease renewal for 802 Industrial Drive.
• Lease renewals for cellular companies leasing space on CMU Public Broadcasting towers.
• Approval of temporary leasing authority to the president.
• Three new endowments for academic colleges.
• Advancement’s private support report.
• Appointment of directors to the CMU Research Corporation.