President
The Board of Regents of Eastern Michigan University (EMU) seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial,
and visionary leader with a focus on high performance and sustained excellence to serve as its
next President. Since its founding in 1849, EMU has grown from a small teacher’s college to a
major learning and research institution with a distinct mix of comprehensive academic resources
and strong community initiatives. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate majors and
100 graduate programs to 23,000 students. The University is a member of the Mid-American
Conference and offers 21 varsity sports for 550 student athletes.
ABOUT EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Located in historic Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is about 10 miles east of Ann Arbor,
35 miles west of Detroit, and just 18 minutes from Detroit Metro Airport. Our 800-acre main
campus is comprised of 12 residence halls, 18 miles of walkways and jogging trails, and 122
buildings. The university has satellite campuses in Brighton, Detroit, Jackson, Livonia, and
Traverse City.
In addition to fostering student engagement and success; high-performing academic programs
and quality research; innovation, diversity and ethical conduct in the workplace, Eastern supports
community engagement and collaborations that create a mutually beneficial exchange of
knowledge and experiences. We are one of just 240 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the
2015 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation. EMU also earned
the distinction in 2008—testament to a deep and longstanding commitment to community
involvement and enhancing the overall quality of life in our region.
THE OPPORTUNITY
As the University’s chief executive officer, the President reports to the Board of Regents and is
responsible for the academic, philanthropic, student, financial and overall direction of the
University. The President will be a vibrant leader and strong promoter of the mission of the
University. She/he must be able to effectively engage with faculty; students; alumni; potential
donors; local, state, and federal officials; and various leaders in business, government, and
education. The President is expected to build upon existing traditions to strategically ensure
continued growth and success.
The next President of Eastern Michigan University should possess qualities to include:
impeccable integrity, high energy, adept communication and interpersonal skills, well
demonstrated administrative abilities, a commitment to public higher education, vision and
ingenuity, political astuteness, an unwavering commitment to diversity, and an overall
personality that engenders confidence and respect. She/he should also possess proven acumen
and/or experiences that demonstrate the ability to understand the complexities of inter-collegiate
athletics and its evolving dynamic within current University environments.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES
The President is the Senior University Officer. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not
limited to, the following:
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Provide leadership and develop collaborative relationships with the University’s many
constituencies including faculty, staff, students, alumni, local community members,
friends and Michigan state policy makers
Leverage the strengths of Eastern Michigan University, building on the foundation of its
mission and core values
Convey an unwavering commitment to the students of Eastern Michigan University and
support their diversity of background and experiences
Serve as the chief development officer for Eastern Michigan University and identify and
secure new funding sources
Serve as the key legislative advocate for Eastern Michigan University regarding higher
education issues
Empower staff to implement strategic initiatives and create a cohesive team environment
Assume fiscal responsibility for and oversee the financial operations and physical
facilities of the University
Build engagement and trust campus-wide through inclusive discourse and shared
governance
Build engagement and trust with the local and broader communities through inclusive
discourse, collaboration and mutually beneficial initiatives
Promote international outreach and programs designed to further the development of
students, faculty, and staff and expand the reach and positive reputation of the institution
Oversee labor relations negotiations
Ensure a secure and safe learning environment
Create an atmosphere inclusive of a complete higher education experience including,
academic success, campus life experiences, athletics, cultural exposure, service
opportunities, etc.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
It is preferred that the next President possesses the following characteristics and qualifications:
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An earned doctorate or other terminal degree is desirable
Unquestionable integrity
Proven leadership and significant administrative experience in managing and operating a
complex organization
Demonstrated experience in fundraising and cultivation efforts at a not-for-profit or forprofit organization
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Commitment to academic values including a commitment to students and faculty,
learning and research, and collaborative, shared governance
Ability to successfully develop and maintain positive communication at all levels
Understanding of political and labor relations organizations and processes
Strong familiarity with higher education policies and practices
Ability to be an inspirational, entrepreneurial, confident, inspiring, and pro-active leader
Demonstrated success in achieving ethnic, gender, and cultural diversity
Strong negotiating skills required to represent and protect the interests of Eastern
Michigan University
Ability to build consensus within a large, complex organization and to encourage open
dialogue and expression of differences
Ability to be a powerful proponent of Eastern Michigan University and the region
through deep community engagement
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Presidential Search Advisory Committee invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of
interest, comprehensive curriculum vitae, and contact information of at least five references), or
expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting Eastern Michigan University
(electronic submissions preferred). Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and
continue until the appointment is made. It is preferred, however, that all nominations and
applications be submitted prior to December 15, 2015.
Laurie C. Wilder, President
Porsha L. Williams, Vice President
Jacob C. Anderson, Associate
Parker Executive Search
Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2900
Atlanta, Georgia 30328
(770) 804-1996 ext: 109, and 111
pwilliams@parkersaerch.com || janderson@parkersearch.com
EMU is an equal opportunity employer, and the institution is regularly recognized by U.S. News
and World Report for its diversity.