Gavin Leach

MARQUETTE — Gavin Leach stepped down as interim president of Northern Michigan University Thursday, as Chris Olsen readies to take the position. Leach has spent the last 36 years working at NMU and spent time as a student obtaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Masters of Public Administration from the university.

“I’ve been here a long time,” said Leach. “Probably about two thirds of my life I have been here as either a student or a staff member. It’s been a long time here, but it’s been a great time here.”

Leach took over as interim president on July 1, 2025, while a nationwide search was conducted to replace Dr. Brock Tessman, who held the position from 2023-25. During his tenure as president, Leach had many accomplishments: hiring and bringing on interim CEO Foundation; rebuilding relationships with foundation board and navigating transition of operations; rebuilding positive university relationships with the state legislature, especially the Upper Peninsula delegation; secured final bond issuance of $84 million at below targeted rate; finalized a balanced General Fund budget, which included additional support from the state for MPSERS; guided university to positive net change on financial statements; worked with staff to secure a small increase in final fall enrollment of 0.1%; starting of new apartments construction; provided oversight with facilities on completion of Weston Hall science Labs; worked with staff to secure a positive outcome with AFSCME contract negotiations; maintained regular, communications with bargaining units; worked with facilities to secure authorization letter from the governor’s office for eligibility to receive construction authorization by the legislature; working with staff, faculty, and student leaders through implementation of DEI changes; oversaw change in football coaches and search for a new football coach to lead the program, which is on target to be completed by the planned target date; began strategic enrollment planning initiative in fall 2025 for recruiting the fall 2026 incoming freshmen and transfer class; attended numerous alumni and campus events on behalf of NMU; worked with staff on a strong student engagement plan to maintain positive relationship with student government and the overall student body. All the while performing his old duties as vice president for Finance and Administration.

“I have been doing half of that role still as president,” Leach said.

He will be taking over his old position as vice president for Finance and Administration. “So I will be reducing back to one job,” said Leach.

During his presidency, there were numerous surprises that had to be faced such a challenging enrollment picture, federal mandates and even the surprise departure of Tessman that kicked it all off. There was also many great events such as the Football Reunion Weekend, the addition of five tribal flags to the superior dome and more.

“It was a good time and I am glad I got the opportunity to do it,” said Leach. “I raised my kids here, my wife went to school here, I went to school here and this place is important to me,” he said. “I am happy where we are and it can always get better. Everyday comes and you should try and do something different and continue to make things better. I think that’s where NMU will be as we go forward.”

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