Approved
NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Special Formal Session
of
A special formal session of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University was held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, via Zoom Video Conference. The meeting was convened at 3:30 p.m. by Chair Tami M. Seavoy.
Trustees present included:
|
Ms. Tami M. Seavoy, Chair |
Ms. Donna L. Murray-Brown |
|
Ms. Lisa I. Fittante |
Mr. Gregory J. Seppanen |
|
Ms. Alexis M. Hart |
Mr. Stephen E. Young, Vice Chair |
|
Mr. Jason T. Morgan |
Dr. Kerri D. Schuiling, ex officio |
Trustees absent included:
|
Mr. Robert E. Mahaney |
Senior Staff and Counsel present included:
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Mr. Brad Canale, Chief Executive Officer – NMU Foundation |
|
Dr. Dale Kapla, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs |
|
Mr. R. Gavin Leach, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees |
|
Dr. Steven P. VandenAvond, Vice President for Extended Learning and Community Engagement |
|
Ms. Deanna Hemmila, Executive Director – Board/Government Relations |
|
Ms. Cathy A. Andrew, Secretary of the Board of Trustees |
|
Mr. Kurt McCamman, Legal Counsel |
|
Ms. Leigh Schultz, Legal Counsel |
The meeting was live-streamed on YouTube at https://bit.ly/nmuavstreaming
ROLL CALL
Secretary Andrew took roll call and noted that a quorum was met with seven Trustees present.
Chair Seavoy noted that Trustee Mahaney was unable to attend today’s meeting as he had a previous scheduled commitment.
PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH FIRM RECOMMENDATION
Chair Seavoy noted on October 1, 2021the Board met and authorized the Chair and Vice Chair to issue a Request for Proposal for presidential search firms and to then come back to the full Board with a recommendation.
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Young and seconded by Trustee Murray-Brown that the Board of Trustees hire Parker Executive Search firm in accordance with the proposal they submitted dated October 19, 2021.
Discussion followed:
Vice Chair Young noted the following regarding the process that led to the motion:
· On October 11, 2021 nineteen RFPs were sent to various search firms across the country.
· Nine firms submitted proposals.
· He was impressed with all proposals which brought many good and different points in their presentations.
· He and Chair Seavoy vetted the proposals and selected the top three and held interviews with the three firms.
· Felt Parker Executive Search gave the strongest presentation and is best suited for the specific needs that NMU has at this particular time.
· Chair Seavoy checked all references which confirmed we are heading in the right direction with Parker Executive Search.
· He thanked all of the firms who responded and provided proposals.
· If the Board approves the motion, he believes Parker Executive Search is the strongest firm to lead NMU in this important matter.
· He looks forward to working with Parker Executive Search to find the best leader for NMU as we move forward.
Trustee Hart made the following comments:
· Agrees Parker Executive Search is the first choice of options and is the right direction to go.
· Diversity and inclusion are topics they hit on very strongly which is important to ensure we are focused on that and the right leadership skills.
Being no further discussion, Chair Seavoy called the question:
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
Aye Nay
Lisa I. Fittante
Alexis M. Hart
Jason T. Morgan
Donna L. Murray-Brown
Tami M. Seavoy
Gregory J. Seppanen
Stephen E. Young
Secretary Andrew announced the motion carries 7 – 0.
Chair Seavoy stated the following:
· With Parker Executive Search’s proven track record in higher education, the Board is confident they will offer highly qualified guidance as we launch the important search for Northern’s next president.
· This is the first pivotal step in the process.
· A Presidential Search Advisory Committee will be assembled from the wider university community and stakeholders.
· The rate of activity will accelerate early in the next semester with the hope of having the new president in place by July 1, 2022.
INTERIM PRESIDENT’S CONTRACT
Chair Seavoy said on October 1, 2021 the Board placed Dr. Kerri Schuiling in the Interim President position and have been working on a contract since that time. A contract has been negotiated and needs to be approved by the full Board.
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Young and seconded by Trustee Murray-Brown that the Board of Trustees approve the contract as submitted for Dr. Kerri D. Schuiling as Interim President.
Discussion followed:
Vice Chair Young made the following comments:
· He thanked Dr. Schuiling for stepping up and stepping in as the interim president.
· She has done an outstanding job to date in this role in a difficult time.
· The Chair and Vice Chair were tasked with negotiating a contact with Dr. Schuiling and had two mutual goals in mind:
o In terms of compensation, Dr. Schuiling not be penalized in any way for stepping into the role of Interim President.
o Dr. Schuiling be compensated and receive benefits at the same level as the previous President.
· With this contract those goals have been accomplished.
Being no further discussion, Chair Seavoy called the question:
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
Aye Nay
Lisa I. Fittante
Alexis M. Hart
Jason T. Morgan
Donna L. Murray-Brown
Tami M. Seavoy
Gregory J. Seppanen
Stephen E. Young
Secretary Andrew announced the motion carries 7 – 0.
Chair Seavoy noted that as this is a special meeting, there are no other agenda items that can be addressed at this time.
Chair Seavoy adjourned the meeting at 3:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/signed/Cathy A. Andrew
Secretary of the Board of Trustees