President Davies announces decision to step down

After nearly six years of service and leadership, Central Michigan University President Robert O. Davies has announced his plans to step down on December 31, 2024. In his letter to the university community, Davies said he hoped to provide the CMU Board of Trustees time to search for CMU’s next president.

“The work we have done together fills me with pride, and we have a great deal of work remaining ahead of us,” Davies said. “I look forward to our continued partnership over the next 11 months. Please be assured that I will remain an active, engaged and enthusiastic proponent of this work in my final year as president.”

Davies said he is stepping down for personal and professional reasons. Todd Regis, Chair of the CMU Board of Trustees, said the Board had accepted Davies’ resignation. 

“The Board thanks Dr. Davies for nearly six years of service to CMU and for his willingness to continue leading this institution this year. He is committed to executing the new strategic plan approved by the Board of Trustees,” Regis said.

During Davies’ tenure, CMU achieved numerous milestones. 

“Since my arrival at CMU in the fall of 2018, I have often marveled at the magnitude of passion, encouragement and support that you have offered to our university community. With your support, our university has achieved remarkable things,” Davies wrote.

The university’s recent achievements include:

Throughout his tenure, Davies has been recognized for his commitment to student success.

“I am so proud of the roles we each have played to ensure every Central Michigan University student had the opportunity to feel welcome, seen and supported, and successful within our community,” Davies wrote. “More than anything, I feel proud of their achievements, their successes, and the impact they continue to have wherever they go.”

Regis said the Board of Trustees would soon begin the process to search for CMU’s 16th president by forming a search advisory committee and hiring a recognized search firm to assist in a comprehensive national search. 

“In the spirit of Shared Governance, the Board of Trustees will ensure that the search process includes opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters, community members and partners to participate,” Regis said.

Board Chair Regis will communicate plans for the search as they develop.