As a lifelong resident of Mount Pleasant and a proud supporter of Central Michigan University, I am deeply concerned about the university considering relocating all of the College of Medicine’s operations to Saginaw. While this move may offer certain advantages to Saginaw, the benefits to CMU’s home in Mount Pleasant remain unclear.
This decision raises more questions than answers, particularly regarding the financial and academic future of our university. Contrary to what has been said publicly, this isn’t a done deal. Therefore, I urge the CMU Board of Trustees to delay putting a shovel in the ground until all options are fully explored and the necessary funds are secured.
The proposed $200 million price tag for this relocation presents a significant challenge, especially given CMU’s current financial constraints. The university has already acknowledged it lacks the required funds and will rely heavily on external donations to make the move possible.
My concern is, what happens if the full amount cannot be raised? Will the university benefit from a new building while the Mount Pleasant campus is left holding the bag? Will the university have to resort to cutting faculty or programs to backfill any overages? The absence of a clear financial plan is alarming and raises serious concerns about the broader implications for the university’s future.
If the intention is to replace the medical school with other programs in Mount Pleasant, one must ask: What’s the delay? Given the significant decline in enrollment over the past decade, the university should have ample space to introduce new programs. With nearly half the number of students on campus compared to 10 years ago, it’s surprising that existing resources have not already been repurposed for new initiatives.
Accountability is another major concern. Who will be held responsible if this project fails? The outgoing president, who will not be around to see it through? Or the board of trustees, none of whom live within two hours from the main campus and have no apparent ties to the university? It’s worth noting that the chair of the board didn’t even go to CMU; he’s a Western Michigan University graduate.
Now, I’m sure these trustees genuinely care about the university. I’m not sure why they would want this unpaid position if they didn’t care to some degree. I just hope they are truly engaged in the project and are fully considering the potential risks of this move. As soon as you put a shovel in the ground, you are responsible even if you didn’t raise enough money.
This decision has far-reaching implications for our community, and it is crucial that we demand transparency and accountability from those making these decisions. While moving the medical school may benefit Saginaw, we must consider the potential costs to Mt. Pleasant and CMU.
As this process continues, I will remain steadfast in advocating for the best interests of CMU and the Mount Pleasant community. CMU is a cornerstone of Mount Pleasant, and any decision that impacts the university’s future must be made with careful consideration of all consequences.