The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved the appointment of Dr. Craig Dean Willis as interim president of the University. Willis, who recently retired as president of Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, will begin his term Aug. 16.
The announcement came at a special meeting of the Board Aug. 4.
"Dr. Willis is known for his strong and steady leadership, his integrity and his ability to bring diverse perspectives together," said Karen Valvo, vice-chair of the EMU Board of Regents and chair of the Board's search committee. "We are confident that he is the right man for the job at this critical time in the University's history. We very much look forward to his leadership in helping to successfully resolve the issues that have divided the EMU community in recent months."
 |
WELCOME, DR. WILLIS: Craig Willis (far
right), former president of Lock Haven
University in Pennsylvania, was named
interim president of EMU Aug. 4. Here,
he meets (from left) John Dugger, dean
of the College of Technology; Provost
Paul Schollaert and Robert Van Der
Velde, assistant vice president for
academic services. Willis starts Aug. 16. |
In a separate action, the board also approved the immediate appointment of Don Loppnow to the position of acting president, where he will serve until Willis arrives. Loppnow has served as senior executive for Strategic Planning and Continuous Improvement since 2002. He also heads up the University Strategic Planning Committee.
"The combined strengths of our interim leadership will help ensure the University's progress in meeting its very important mission," Valvo said.
Willis, 69, served as president of Lock Haven University since 1982 and had only retired from there near the end of July. Previously, he held academic leadership posts at Concord College in West Virginia, Ohio's Wright State University, Dayton Public Schools and Ohio Wesleyan University. He earned a Ph.D. in higher education and his master's degree in philosophy of education, both from Ohio State University.
"I have pledged to bring the EMU community a strong sense of openness, a steady hand at the helm and an unwavering commitment to work collectively to do all that we can for this university," Willis said. "I am extremely pleased to accept this position, and look forward to getting to work."
Key tasks Willis will handle include advancing the University's position in Lansing, defining better internal controls, resolving relationship issues, ensuring high quality educational experiences for all students and successfully completing all collective bargaining agreements.
Willis said he took the position as a challenge and said he plans to set the stage for the next permanent president at EMU.
"My emphasis has always been about the students," Willis said. "EMU is no exception. We're here for the students. Who works most directly with students and teaches the students? The faculty. We need to be supportive."
As interim president, the University will pay the Registry $23,833.33 a month during Willis' tenure. Willis will make $18,333 per month, with the other $5,500 representing the Registry's monthly fee. He will live in University House and have the use of an automobile, Valvo said. The search committee found Willis, an independent consultant with the Registry for College and University Presidents, Valvo said. The Registry, founded in 1992 with corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, provides interim presidential services, according to the company's Web site.
Willis' appointment is for a period not to exceed July 31, 2005. Willis will not be considered for the permanent position of president and he does not intend to apply, Valvo said.
Guidelines for the search process for a permanent president are currently being developed. The process is expected to get fully under way this fall, and will be designed to garner maximum input from across the university community, said Board of Regents Chairman Philip Incarnati.
"I will set the stage for the next president to move forward," Willis said. "We'll make decisions in a way that are fair and competitive and will be keeping the message that this is about the students."
"You have a wonderful story here. Where I've been successful, often times, is in bringing people together," Willis said.
Loppnow named acting president
Eastern Michigan University's Board of Regents appointed Don Loppnow, senior executive for strategic planning and continuous improvement, as acting president. The appointment is effective immediately and will last until Aug. 15.
 |
Loppnow |
"I am honored to be able to help during the transition of leadership here at EMU," said Loppnow, 58. "As acting president, I will focus on preparing for Dr. Willis' arrival. We will set up a briefing and orientation process for him that will enable him to hit the ground running."
Before being named senior executive for strategic planning in 2002, Loppnow served EMU in many capacities. From 1997-2001, he was the associate vice president for extended learning. In his 30 years at EMU, Loppnow also has served as department head for social work, interim director of the office of research development, coordinator for the social work program and professor.
He earned a bachelor's degree in social work and psychology from the University of Wisconsin, a master of social work degree at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and a doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Michigan.
