Focus EMU Online, Weekly Issue

Regents appoint Martin as first female president of EMU; campus responds with excitement

Editor's Note: FOCUS EMU was published May 13. Because of the official announcement of the University's next president, this story, due to its importance and timeliness, was added to the current issue.

After being named Eastern Michigan University's next president, Susan Martin's first order of business was to declare that the dark cloud that has hung over EMU for the better part of the last few years has been officially lifted.

"It is raining today (May 14), but there is no dark cloud over EMU today," she said to applause during a press conference shortly after the Board of Regents voted unanimously to name her as Eastern Michigan University's next president.

WELCOME TO EMU: Susan Martin (above, left),
Eastern Michigan University's new president, receives
applause after making comments during a luncheon
reception for her that took place in the EMU Student
Center May 14. The EMU Board of Regents
unanimously voted Martin as EMU's 22nd president
and the first female president in the institution's 159-
year history.

The applause for Martin, 57, started at the Board of Regents meeting and continued during a press conference and luncheon reception for EMU's first female president and its 22nd overall.

"This institution has been here since 1849. This is wonderful to be EMU's first female president," she said. "I think we'll have fun with it."

Showing the wit that won her points during the campus interview forums, Martin said she has already had discussions with University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, whom Martin said has been supportive of her.

"She (Coleman) gave me advice on how to work with a board," a comment that elicited chuckles from the audience and the EMU Regents.

Martin put her money where her heart is, announcing that she has started an EMU Excellence Fund. Martin cast the first $10,000 and enthusiastically urged everyone present to contribute at least $1 to the fund, an action that drew applause.

"If you're doing well, put in $5 or $20," she said with a smile as she held aloft a dollar bill. "Show the world that people care and are proud of EMU."

"The Board is extremely satisfied with the entire presidential search process and the selection of Dr. Martin," said Thomas Sidlik, chair of the Board of Regents.