MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Following a nationwide search, Central Michigan University (CMU) officials have selected Neil MacKinnon, Ph.D., to become the next president of the university.
The university's Board of Trustees voted Thursday for MacKinnon to take over the role from current President Bob Davies, who has served as president for the past six years.
Previously, MacKinnon served as provost at Augusta University in Georgia. There, he was appointed to several departments including the Department of Health Management, Economics and Policy and the Department of Population Health Science.
With more than 25 years of experience in higher education and administration, MacKinnon said he was drawn to CMU because of its emphasis on student success.
“CMU’s mission statement is very different from those at most universities,” MacKinnon said. “CMU said it will define its success by the success of its students and graduates, and by its impact on the communities it serves — that’s a powerful commitment. Coupled with the Leadership Standards, it says a lot about the community here at CMU.”
The Board of Trustees said they were impressed by MacKinnon's prior experience, especially his work with health care programs.
During his time at Augusta University, MacKinnon oversaw academic operations, libraries and research, student success and belonging programs, enrollment, strategic planning and more—something which the Board of Trustees noted.
He also worked with a variety of teams and committees to develop and implement Augusta's strategic plans.
“These diverse experiences gave me new perspectives on the work of a public research institution and a great appreciation for the roles everyone plays to bring about the university’s success,” MacKinnon said.
MacKinnon will begin on Nov. 1. He and his wife, Leanne, will be moving to Michigan this fall with their dog, Bentley.
