Schutten announces decision to step down

Mary C. Schutten, Central Michigan University's executive vice president and provost, today announced her decision to step down from her role, effective Dec. 31.

Schutten, who joined the university July 1, 2019, has been an integral part of CMU's success over the past 26 months, said CMU President Bob Davies.

"Mary's dedication to increasing rigor, relevance and excellence in CMU's academics and research set the tone for the ongoing work of our Strategic Envisioning Process," Davies said. "I also have deeply valued her leadership and insight as our university navigated the challenges of the pandemic. Throughout it all, she maintained focus on the success of our students and the well-being of our faculty."

Davies outlined a number of Schutten's achievements during her time at CMU, including:

• Facilitation of an academic program prioritization process, identifying 24 marquee programs representing each of CMU's academic colleges.
• Support of innovative research and creative activity through the President's and Provost's President's and Provost's Fund for Program Innovation and Excellence.
• Establishment of several new academic programs, including environmental engineering and a new pediatric residency in the College of Medicine.
• Creation of a strategic partnership with Mid Michigan College for a unique start-to-finish pathway for the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree.
• Appointment to the NCAA Division I Committee on Infractions, an independent body that decides cases involving NCAA member institutions and their employees.
• Award-winning efforts to streamline processes for transfer students continuing their education at CMU.
• Leadership of multiple search committees, bringing outstanding new faculty and administrative leaders to CMU.

Prior to her arrival at CMU, Schutten served for 30 years in a variety of leadership roles in higher education, including as dean at San Jose State University and associate dean and professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State University.

Schutten will continue in her role as provost through the end of the year before joining the CMU faculty. Davies said he will seek input on the formation of a search committee in the coming weeks.