Proposed
NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Formal Session
of
A formal session of the Board of Trustees of Northern Michigan University was held on Friday, December 13, 2024, in Peninsula II Conference Room, Northern Center, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 9:00 a.m., by Chair Stephen E. Young.
Trustees present included:
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Mr. Stephen E. Young, Chair |
Mr. Steven W. Lindberg |
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Ms. Lisa I. Fittante |
Mr. Gregory J. Seppanen |
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Ms. Alexis M. Hart, Vice Chair |
Mr. Greg M. Toutant |
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Ms. Melissa A. Holmquist |
Dr. Brock F. Tessman, ex officio |
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Ms. Brigitte R. LaPointe-Dunham |
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Senior Staff and Counsel present included:
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Ms. Cathy A. Andrew, Secretary of the Board of Trustees |
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Mr. Michael J. Bath, Chief of Police / Safety Director |
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Dr. Shawnrece D. Butler, Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion |
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Mr. Brad Canale, Chief Executive Officer – NMU Foundation |
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Mr. Richard B. Comley, Athletic Director |
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Dr. Anne Dahlman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success |
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Ms. Rhea E. Dever, Vice President – People, Culture, and Wellbeing |
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Ms. Laura J. Glover, Sr. Executive Assistant to the President |
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Dr. Derek J. Hall, Chief Marketing Officer |
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Ms. Deanna K. Hemmila, Executive Director – Board/Government Relations |
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Mr. Jeff Korpi, Associate Vice President – Northern Student Experience |
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Mr. R. Gavin Leach, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees |
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Ms. Cindy L. Paavola, Assistant to the President – Strategic Initiatives |
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Dr. Jessica L. Thompson, Assistant Vice President for Sustainability |
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Dr. Abigail K. Wyche, Assistant Vice President – Wellbeing |
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Mr. Carrick Craig, Legal Counsel |
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Ms. Ashley Higginson, Legal Counsel |
The meeting was live-streamed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@NMUAV
ROLL CALL
Secretary Andrew took roll call of the Trustees and noted a quorum was met with all Trustees present.
MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Toutant, seconded by Trustee Hart, and supported by a vote of 8 – 0, to approve the agenda as presented.
MOMENT OF SILENCE
The following memorials were read:
· Mr. James “Jim” Tamlyn, master’s student from Cheboygan, MI, who passed away on September 15, 2024.
· Former President, Dr. James B. Appleberry, who passed away on October 21, 2024.
INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
There were none.
FOCUS DISCUSSION – SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS FACULTY AND STUDENT SUCCESS
Dr. Dale Kapla, Sr. Associate Provost – Academic Affairs, Dr. Caroline LaPorte, Department Head – Center for Native American Studies, and Dr. April Lindala, Professor – Center for Native American Studies, provided a report on Native-centered thinking at NMU and the Center for Native American Studies (Addendum #1). Dr. Lindala noted that today, December 13, marks the 28th anniversary of the Center for Native American Studies, which was established and approved by the then NMU Board of Control, on December 13, 1996.
The meeting recessed at 9:46 a.m.
The meeting reconvened at 10:45 a.m.
INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING SENIOR SPEAKING AT MIDYEAR COMMENCEMENT
Mr. Jeff Korpi, Assoc. Vice President – Northern Student Experience, introduced Ms. Suzanna Guinn, a Nursing major, from Marquette, Michigan, who will represent the graduating class of winter 2024 at Commencement ceremonies tomorrow, Saturday, December 14, 2024. Mr. Korpi congratulated Ms. Guinn and presented her with a plaque. A photo was taken with Ms. Guinn, her parents, Chair Young, President Tessman, and Mr. Korpi.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF STUDENT CHOICE AWARD RECIPIENT AND COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
President Tessman introduced Dr. Matthew Jennings, Associate Professor, School of Clinical Sciences, and Lab Director – Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center, who was selected by the students as the Student Choice Award Recipient and December 2024 Commencement Speaker.
MOMENT IN NMU HISTORY
Dr. Russell Magnaghi, NMU historian, provided a report on “Preserving Northern’s Past.” (Addendum #2)
ASNMU UPDATE
Ms. Dana Hinckley, President – ASNMU, provided a report on the semester accomplishments. (Addendum #3)
STAFF REPORT
Mr. Tyler Thompson, Administrative Assistant – College of Graduate Studies and Research, President of UAW Local 1950 – TOP Union, representing the Staff Labor Council, provided an update on university staff. (Addendum #4)
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Tessman reported on university accomplishments since the last meeting. His report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #5)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs
Trustee Fittante, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held earlier today, December 13, 2024. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #6)
Finance Committee
Vice Chair Hart, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held Thursday, December 12, 2024. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes. (Addendum #7)
ACTION ON FORMAL RECOMMENDATIONS
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Holmquist, seconded by Trustee LaPointe-Dunham, and supported by a vote of 8 – 0, to approve the Formal Recommendations. (Addendum #8)
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Chair Young read the following statement regarding the Board of Trustees’ Conflict of Interest Policy:
The Board of Trustees has a Conflict of Interest Policy stating that when a Trustee is an employee of a party with whom the University enters into a contract, that contract needs to be vetted through the Secretary of the Board, the President, Legal Counsel, and the Board of Trustees members.
The University has entered into an MOU with the Upper Peninsula Health Plan for which Trustee Holmquist serves as the Chief Executive Officer. The MOU provides for the availability of a UPHP community health worker (“CHW”) at a University location to counsel students, without regard to whether they are a participant in a UPHP plan, regarding available medical, mental health, and social services available to them. The MOU does not involve the exchange of funds between the University and UPHP, nor does it inure to the financial benefit of Trustee Holmquist.
In addition, the MOU is in the best interest of NMU and the students as it will serve to expand wellness services available to the students.
Based on this, the Board of Trustees is comfortable to the extent that any potential conflict exists it be waived and ratifies execution of the MOU between NMU and UPHP.
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Lindberg and seconded by Trustee Seppanen, that this Board does not view the MOU that is being considered between NMU and UPHP, for which Trustee Melissa Holmquist serves as Chief Executive Officer, as a conflict of interest and would be in the best interest of NMU and its students, and that Trustee Holmquist be permitted to abstain from voting on this motion.
Discussion followed:
Vice Chair Hart said it is always good that there is transparency around these issues.
Chair Young noted that the Board had a similar situation involving Trustee Toutant at the September 2024 meeting, which was handled in a similar manner.
Being no further discussion, Chair Young called the question:
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
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Aye |
Nay |
Abstain |
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Stephen E. Young |
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Alexis M. Hart |
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Lisa I. Fittante |
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Gregory J. Seppanen |
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Brigitte R. LaPointe-Dunham |
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Steven W. Lindberg |
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Greg M. Toutant |
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Melissa A. Holmquist |
Motion carries 7 – 0, 1 abstention.
CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR ELECTIONS
Chair Young asked for nominations from the floor.
Trustee Seppanen nominated Trustee Young to serve as Chair and Trustee Holmquist to serve as Vice Chair for calendar year 2025.
Being no further nominations, President Tessman called for a motion and a second:
It was moved by Trustee Seppanen, and seconded by Trustee Toutant, to elect Trustee Stephen E. Young – Chair and Trustee Melissa A. Holmquist – Vice-Chair of the NMU Board of Trustees for calendar year 2025.
Being no discussion, Chair Young called the question.
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
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Aye |
Nay |
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Stephen E. Young |
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Alexis M. Hart |
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Lisa I. Fittante |
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Melissa A. Holmquist |
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Gregory J. Seppanen |
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Brigitte R. LaPointe-Dunham |
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Steven W. Lindberg |
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Greg M. Toutant |
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Motion carries 8 – 0.
Trustee Seppanen thanked Chair Yung noting the last number of years he has been chair, there has been improvement over each year, stating that he gives Chair Young a lot of the credit for where Northern is currently positioned.
Trustee Holmquist said she is truly honored to accept the position of Vice Chair. Serving NMU in this capacity is both a privilege and a responsibility she takes to heart and she looks forward to collaborating with everyone to ensure the bright future envisioned for NMU becomes a reality.
Trustee Holmquist also touched on the following:
· Proud NMU alumnus and Marquette community member
· University has continued to grow under President Tessman’s leadership, noting she is inspired by his vision and dedication
· Acknowledged the exceptional faculty and staff who make NMU a place of opportunity and investment
· Prioritizing the needs and aspirations of the students, will ensure NMU’s continued success and its ability to serve as a vital resource for the Upper Peninsula.
Chair Young noted that Trustee Hart will be missed as the Vice Chair and he is looking forward to working with Trustee Holmquist next year as Vice Chair. He stated it’s been an honor and a pleasure to be chair – it’s something he has thoroughly enjoyed, looks forward to serving next year, and appreciates the vote of confidence everyone has in him.
PRESIDENT’S CONTRACT
Vice Chair Hart noted that Dr. Magnaghi in his report spoke about preserving the past. As one of her last acts as a Trustee, she is happy to put forward the following motion as a way to protect NMU’s future which is a signal of support for the current leadership under Dr. Brock Tessman:
It was moved by Trustee Hart, and seconded by Trustee LaPointe-Dunham, that the NMU Board of Trustees approve a revision to the First Amendment to the Presidential Employment Agreement to extend the term of the contract for two additional years with a new term ending June 30, 2029, and to delete the Termination Fee contained in Article 7 Section B of the Agreement. Other than these Amendments the contract remains in full force and effect.
With regard to the President’s Deferred Compensation Agreement, I also move the NMU Board of Trustees approve an amendment to the participation agreement to provide for deferred compensation in the following amounts:
· An increase of an additional $25,000 bringing the total to Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) on June 30, 2025;
· An increase of $10,000, bringing the total to Sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) on June 30, 2026; and
· An increase of $10,000, bringing the total to Seventy thousand dollars ($70,000) on June 30, 2027.
Discussion followed:
Trustee Hart said it’s been an absolute pleasure working with President Tessman, noting the following are areas she wants to recognize with the above motion.
· Fantastic things are happening at NMU
o Groundwork has been laid for several years with amazing faculty, staff, administration – who have brought a lot of these things to culmination;
· Having President Tessman on board has transformed the culture and style of working and it’s palpable;
· President Tessman has enabled and set the tone for the communication that is occurring on campus and in the community;
· His transparency and collaboration – which is marked by inclusivity of all levels, all areas – enables him to connect a lot of dots across key stakeholders;
· His ability to communicate, recognize, and to understand that he is only as good as the sum of all of the university’s parts.
Trustee Seppanen stated the following:
· NMU has phenomenal faculty and staff – sees the touch of President Tessman being able to lay the groundwork so everybody is able to go in the same direction;
· Pleased with President Tessman’s leadership and how that leadership is elevating everyone else and bringing the university where it is today.
Being no further discussion, Chair Young called the question.
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
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Aye |
Nay |
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Stephen E. Young |
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Alexis M. Hart |
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Lisa I. Fittante |
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Melissa A. Holmquist |
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Gregory J. Seppanen |
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Brigitte R. LaPointe-Dunham |
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Steven W. Lindberg |
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Greg M. Toutant |
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Motion carries 8 – 0.
President Tessman thanked the Trustees for their words saying how much it means coming from this Board whom he enjoys working with. He feels very recognized, honored, and very glad that it was pointed out that NMU is 100% a team – the Board, the President, the faculty, staff, and students – noting NMU is nothing without each other and the way everyone works together. He said it is a privilege to be in this role and be recognized in this way. He noted the goals NMU has, of which there are many – continued communication improvements, cultural improvements on campus, investment in the employees, enrollment growth, thinking about Our Compass, the big projects, and the strategic plan, including the NSANTI status goal, etc. – all of this takes time. He said he’s inspired to know that he may have a couple of extra years to pursue these big objectives with this team.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF INFORMAL CLOSED SESSIONS TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FEBRUARY 13 and 14, 2025 SESSIONS OF THE BOARD
President Tessman made this announcement for the public record.
· Chair Young recognized Trustee Fittante for her dedication and service during her tenure on the Board. He presented her with a framed resolution and wildcat statue. A photo was taken.
· Chair Young recognized Trustee Hart for her dedication and service during her tenure on the Board. He presented her with a framed resolution and wildcat statue. A photo was taken.
Trustee Fittante called former Trustee Tami Seavoy forward to be honored as Trustee Emeritus. She noted that she was awarded with this honor on September 20, 2024. Trustee Fittante presented her with a plaque in honor of her distinguished service to NMU. A photo was taken.
Chair Young opened the floor to the Trustees for Good of the Order.
Vice Chair Hart made the following comments:
· She has learned a lot and made many wonderful connections across the university;
· It’s been wonderful to have this journey with Trustee Fittante, having both joined the Board at the same time;
· Seeing the passion and commitment of the faculty, staff, administration, students, the community, has been incredible;
· Leaving the Board, she can only wish she’s made some impact to leave the University better off than it was when she first joined the Board;
· If she’s given back a fraction of what she’s received during her tenure, it would make her very happy;
· She recognized and thanked her colleagues on the Board, both current and past, whom she has learned so much from and considers friends;
· Being on the Board has been a great experience because of the great discussions, spirited debates, with everyone having the common goal of having the best interest of the university in mind;
· She thanked Chair Young for his leadership which is indicative of how well he has steered the ship;
· She thanked the administration and Secretary Andrew for their support during her tenure;
· She is pleased with the direction Northern is headed, was very happy today to make the motion regarding President Tessman noting the university is amazing hands from all aspects;
· She thinks about what has been done in eight years – the physical plant, the investments in NMU’s people, etc. – she looks forward to watching the progress over the next eight years.
Trustee Fittante touched on the following:
· Highlights over the past eight years:
o Physical campus and energy have changed in the past eight years
o Dedication of the BEAR Center, which holds a special place in her heart
o Remodel and dedication of the Northern Center
o Completion and dedication of The Woods
o Remodel and dedication of the Jacobetti Complex
o Proud of how Northern handled the COVID pandemic
o Hiring of President Tessman in 2022 and his investiture in 2023
o May 2023 Commencement Ceremony with Trustee Emeritus Jim Haveman’s Commencement speech, which included a flash mob of faculty and staff singing to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”
o Signing of the Okanagan Charter
o Opening of the Wellness Center, bringing the mental and physical health into one building
o NMU’s 125th Celebration events
o Superior Dome Showdown with NMU vs MSU basketball game
· Thanked the NMU staff, faculty, administration, and students for making the last eight years a wonderful experience;
· Thanked her current and former fellow Trustees – stating its been an honor and a pleasure serving with each of them;
· Happy and hopeful in the direction the university is going – Northern is poised for more great things and looks forward to its future;
· Humbled and proud to have been a part of the university for the past eight years.
Trustee Seppanen commented on the following:
· Going to miss both Trustees Fittante and Hart;
· We have a great team on the Board;
· Very excited where the university is at and for Commencement on Saturday and all the students who are leaving NMU to start their new life.
Trustee Holmquist touched on the following:
· Thanked Trustees Fittante and Hart for their hard work and dedication to NMU
· Excited for NMU’s future and where its headed
· Commencement is one of the things she looks forward to the most as part of being a Trustee
· Congratulated the graduates
Trustee LaPointe-Dunham said the following:
· Another great two days of meetings;
· Happy to see and visit the nursing SIM labs during the Engagement Day
o Would like to talk about some partnerships and tribal health;
· Excited where Northern in going;
· Thanked Trustees Fittante and Hart for their leadership.
Trustee Toutant touched on the following:
· Engagement Day is always fun to be part of as the Trustees get to see “where the rubber meets the road;”
· Trustees have a unique bonding piece being part of the Board;
· Thanked the following noting the “wise counsel” that has been mentioned is part of the theme of how this board works together and sets the course collectively:
o Trustees Fittante and Hart for their kindness and support, which has been overwhelming;
o Trustee Emeritus Tami Seavoy, noting how many people she helps with her nonprofit entities.
Trustee Lindberg made the following comments:
· Looks forward to the Board meetings, highlight is always when the Board gets to interact with the students and wonderful staff on NMU’s campus;
· The event with the nursing students at the SIM labs was outstanding;
· Enjoyed the tour of the Police Department noting safety is an important issue on every campus in this country and the outstanding job Chief Bath and his staff does;
· Thanked Trustees Fittante and Hart for their wise counsel and commitment to Northern during his tenure.
Chair Young made the following comments:
· Thanked Trustees Fittante and Hart noting they will be greatly missed;
· Trustees stand on the shoulders of those who came before them – Trustee Emeritus Seavoy is one of those – he thanked her for all she has done for Northern and how deserving she is of emeritus status, she was a mentor to him during her time on the Board and was a great teacher;
· Thanked the Board for their trust and confidence in him as chair these past few years and the coming year;
· Thanked President Tessman noting he is the right guy for the right time, as well as First Lady Tessman – they work as a team and are the right people for NMU and the community.
· Thanked his wife, Tricia Kinley, for her unwavering support she has provided during his tenure and with all the work and time it takes for his work as Chair.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Young adjourned the meeting at 12:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/signed/Cathy A. Andrew
Secretary of the Board of Trustees