Central Michigan University has a new president.
On Thursday, CMU's Board of Trustees unanimously appointed Neil MacKinnon, Ph.D., to serve as the university's 16th president. MacKinnon comes to Mount Pleasant after most recently working as the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Augusta University in Georgia.
"Neil MacKinnon was an engaged candidate who spent numerous hours researching CMU's past and present, and he offered thoughts on our future, including increased enrollment and dynamic classrooms that educate for the future careers students want to pursue," said CMU Board of Trustees Chair Todd Regis.
"His vision aligns with our vision statement, and I know he will take the core values of CMU and incorporate them as part of his daily work for CMU," he said.
With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, MacKinnon has also held appointments in the Department of Health Management, Economics and Policy, the Department of Population Health Science and the Graduate School while at Augusta University.
MacKinnon was originally trained as a pharmacist and medical researcher before becoming an administrator with the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati, where he oversaw a multi-million dollar renovations of the college's research labs.
"You have my full commitment that my team and I will truly be student-centric in our decision making. The basic question I will always ask anytime we make a decision is: is this in the best interest of our students?" MacKinnon told reporters during a press conference. "The board has graciously agreed that I can maintain an active research program and will be doing some teaching. And so I look forward to collaborating with faculty in research as well as in the classroom."
MacKinnon replaces outgoing President Bob Davies, Ph.D., who announced earlier this year he was stepping down from his role after leading the university for six years. He will serve as an advisor to MacKinnon, and will teach classes. Regis praised Davies for his help and cooperation during the transition period.
"Dr. MacKinnon is deeply aligned with CMU's mission to nurture an inclusive community, drive academic excellence, and foster personal growth," said Vice Chair Denise William Mallet, who chaired the presidential search advisory committee. "He has a clear understanding of how essential it is to support students from diverse backgrounds and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed."
MacKinnon's first day on the job is Nov. 1.
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