President to recap First 100 Days

Central Michigan University President Neil MacKinnon says he’s seen, heard and experienced a lot since his arrival on campus – and now he’s excited to share what he’s learned with the university community.

MacKinnon joined CMU on November 1, 2024, as the university’s 16th president. In the months since his arrival, he has been touring the university’s academic colleges, numerous student support service areas, including the Student Food Pantry, and offices in operational areas including student recruitment, budget and finance, Athletics and more.

Now, roughly 100 days from his arrival, MacKinnon is ready to share what he’s learned about the university’s strengths, challenges and opportunities.

“I’ve had the opportunity to visit, at length, with many students, faculty, staff and administrators,” MacKinnon said. “They have shared their questions and concerns, and also their immense pride in their work and their aspirations for what is possible at CMU. There are challenging realities we need to face, but there are also so many opportunities for us to strengthen what we do.”

The president will share his thoughts during “The First 100 Days Reflection” event at 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 11, in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. His presentation will be followed by a fireside chat-style conversation with Carolina Hernandez Ruiz, president of the CMU Student Government Association.

In addition to sharing reflections, MacKinnon said he will unveil a new initiative he hopes will inspire members of the university to engage with the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.

“There is a great deal of work already underway on the university’s strategic plan, and there are opportunities for all our students, faculty and staff to be more involved in the ways we achieve our strategic priorities,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do together.”

The First 100 Days Reflection and Fireside Chat are open to all members of the university community, and they also will be available to view on February 11 via livestream.