LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Roger Hauck on Tuesday sent a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer encouraging her to consider qualified candidates with ties to the Central Michigan University community for the school’s open trustee roles.
“Having trustees who understand CMU’s unique culture, values and traditions can be invaluable in addressing the university’s current challenges and setting a course for its future success,” said Hauck R-Mount Pleasant. “I believe having a local connection would provide valuable insight into the university’s immediate needs and challenges, while fostering stronger ties between the board, the student body, and the surrounding communities.”
The university currently has two open seats on the board of trustees, which are filled by appointments from the governor. Hauck said candidates who live in Mount Pleasant or surrounding communities will have a deeper understanding of the university’s needs and the ability to weigh decisions with both the CMU and the region’s best interests in mind.
Hauck said this consideration is especially important because trustees serve eight-year terms, and their decisions will have a tremendous impact on the future trajectory of CMU.
“The long-term nature of these trustee roles makes it critically important that the governor select potential trustees who not only understand CMU’s challenges but are also deeply invested in the university’s success,” Hauck said. “Currently, in stark contrast to other schools around the state, half of CMU’s current trustees do not appear to have a direct connection to the university and none of them live within a two-hour drive of the main campus. I think this creates a disconnect that is harmful to the prosperity of one of Michigan’s critical higher education institutions.”
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