GAVIN LEACH

MARQUETTE – Northern Michigan University Vice President for Finance and Administration, Gavin Leach, has been appointed as the new Interim President of NMU. Leach will step into the role on July 1, when current President Brock Tessman leaves for Montana State University.

“I am truly honored to be given this role and humbled by the board’s confidence in my leadership,” said Leach. “I am dedicated to seeing that the major projects underway are funded and completed, that we continue to navigate successfully through today’s political climate and that the visioning we’ve initiated to address the enrollment and demographic challenges continues at a high level; so that we do not lose ground as the search for the new president takes place. It’s been a pleasure to work with Brock (Tessman), and I promise to keep Our Compass, NMU’s strategic plan, pointing in the right direction. Most importantly, let me stress that I will continue to work for the success and well-being of Northern’s students, faculty and staff.”

Leach has worked directly at NMU for the past 36 years in various positions, and graduated NMU in the 80s. He says he has a deep love for the university and has learned much as a student from his professors, and has learned much from his fellow NMU staff.

“I would have never dreamed that I would have this opportunity when I was growing up across the street from campus and then attending Northern in the late ’80s,” he added. “However, I had wonderful faculty and a great education that created a solid foundation for my career. I have now been tied to Northern for 40 years of my life, beginning as a student. My wife, Robin, who I asked out on our first date nearly 41 years ago right in the vestibule of Harden Hall that now connects to Jamrich, will tell you how dedicated I am to Northern, and that I really love my job and my alma mater. My sons Aaron and Garrett, and several other relatives, also hold NMU degrees. This university holds a special place in my family.”

Leach has represented NMU on several state and national committees including the Michigan Universities Coalition on Health, Inc., Midwestern Higher Education Commission Computing Task Force, the Merit Board of Directors, Northern Initiatives Board of Directors, and Educause. He leads a cross-divisional team that planned and implemented the Teaching, Learning, and Communication notebook computer program and provides ongoing oversight of the program. In addition, he oversees planning and implementation of the university’s campus master plan, computer leasing program, wide area network, administrative computer systems and programmers, facilities operations, auxiliary operations, and the university’s human resource operations.

Previously, Leach served Northern Michigan University as the Associate Vice President for Finance and Planning. Leach developed and presented university strategies with regard to the annual and long-term planning for NMU’s $178 million budget, state budget requests, legislative hearings, compensation, technology, facilities, auxiliary operations and financial aid.

Prior to joining Northern in 1989, his career included serving as a Senior Tax Analyst for Arthur Andersen & Company and a Senior Tax Analyst at MTS Systems Corporation. He holds a B.S. degree in Accounting and Master’s of Public Administration Degree from Northern Michigan University, and a CPA certificate.

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.