Pictured is Gavin Leach, Northern Michigan University's interim president. (Photo courtesy of NMU)

MARQUETTE – Wednesday at the Northern Center on Northern Michigan University’s campus a convocation was held to update staff in a large briefing on news from over the summer. News included updates on construction projects, grants, ASNMU, NMU-AAUP, the Academic Senate and more.

“Welcome to this new academic year,” said NMU interim president Gavin Leach. “… Its our collective efforts that make Northern a great place.”

One of the growing efforts at NMU are its ongoing construction projects. NMU has over four major construction projects either ongoing or in its preparation stage, these are: renovations of Harden Hall, new biology labs, new apartments and a new college of business building. All are on schedule.

“These projects are going to make a great experience for our students,” said Leach.

Leach summarized his top five focus areas as interim president:

1. Enrollment – develop a strategy to keep Northern on a positive path for enrollment, including plans to adapt to changing markets that will impact enrollment success in future years. Transfer students will play a big role as a result of free community college in Michigan, which has impacted in-state enrollment, particularly from the Lower Peninsula.

2. Budget strategies – “As state budget negotiations get underway, we will continue our advocacy and telling the Northern story, making sure the legislature and executive office know the important role Northern plays in the region and the state,” Leach said. “We’re also sharing the great success stories of our students. It’s important that the state continues its investment in higher education through increased appropriations. Once the budget gets finalized, we can again concentrate on our No. 1 legislative priority: capital outlay and securing construction authorization for the new College of Business addition to Hedgcock. I would really like to break ground in May.” NMU will also secure private giving for academic programs and facilities.

3. Transformational concepts – Leach said Northern can’t be timid about exploring new paths.

4. Keep positive momentum in implementing “Our Compass,” NMU’s strategic plan focusing on people, place and student potential. Progress on the plan’s three Grand Challenges will be the featured discussion topic at the fall semester university forum that will be scheduled in the near future. The forum will also highlight steps needed to prepare for Northern’s visit from the Higher Learning Commission next fall as part of the process to reaffirm its accreditation.

5. Maintain positive and transparent communication with all NMU stakeholders

The event also saw speeches by ASNMU president Cassidy Gibson who spoke on projects and updates with her organization. Another speech was given by NMU-AAUP staff leader Kurt Hauswirth, who spoke on the importance of university staff.

“From every department and office, it is the staff that keeps this place running,” said Hauswirth. “…Northern isn’t just about buildings or programs but its about people.”

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