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 12, 2025, in Peninsula II Conference Room, Northern Center, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. The meeting was convened at 10:01 a.m. by Chair Stephen E. Young.
Trustees present included:
|
Mr. Steven W. Lindberg |
|
|
Ms. Venus Joy Brown |
Mr. Gregory J. Seppanen |
|
Ms. Lisa I. Fittante |
Mr. Greg M. Toutant |
|
Ms. Melissa A. Holmquist, Vice Chair |
Mr. R. Gavin Leach, ex officio |
Trustees absent included:
|
Ms. Brigitte R. LaPointe-Dunham |
Senior Staff and Counsel present included:
|
Ms. Cathy A. Andrew, Secretary of the Board of Trustees |
|
Mr. Michael J. Bath, Chief of Police / Safety Director |
|
Ms. Nicole Blemberg, Interim Chief Executive Officer – NMU Foundation |
|
Dr. Shawnrece D. Butler, Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion |
|
Dr. Anne Dahlman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Success |
|
Ms. Rhea E. Dever, Vice President – People, Culture, and Wellbeing |
|
Ms. Laura J. Glover, Sr. Executive Assistant to the President |
|
Dr. Derek J. Hall, Chief Marketing Officer |
|
Ms. Deanna K. Hemmila, Executive Director – Board/Government Relations |
|
Mr. Jeff Korpi, Associate Vice President – Northern Student Experience |
|
Mr. David M. Nyberg, Executive Director – Business Engagement and Economic Development |
|
Ms. Cindy L. Paavola, Assistant to the President – Strategic Initiatives |
|
Dr. Jessica L. Thompson, Assistant Vice President for Sustainability |
|
Mr. Carrick Craig, Legal Counsel |
|
Ms. Ashley Higginson, Legal Counsel |
Guest present included:
|
Dr. Christopher J. Olsen |
NOTE: The meeting was live-streamed at: https://nmuwildcast.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=26a3dfde-1cd9-4483-bffa-b3a600ec888f
ROLL CALL
Secretary Andrew took roll call and noted a quorum was met with seven Trustees present.
MOTION TO APPROVE AGENDA
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Toutant, seconded by Trustee Seppanen, and supported unanimously by a vote of 7 – 0, to approve the agenda as presented.
WELCOME PRESIDENT-ELECT
Chair Young welcomed Dr. Chris Olsen, President-elect who is attending today’s meeting.
INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD
Ms. Dana E. Jackson-Hardwick, Director – Undergraduate Research, addressed the Board regarding undergraduate research, how it fits with NMU’s strategic plan, what the department does, and why continued funding is important to NMU.
Chair Young thanked Ms. Jackson-Hardwick for her comments.
FOCUS DISCUSSION – ENROLLMENT TRENDS (Addendum #1)
Mr. Jason Nicholas, Assistant Provost/Director – Institutional Effectiveness and University Strategic Planning, and Ms. Kari Garcia, Director – Admissions, provided a report on “Enrollment Horizons: Preparing for 2026 and Beyond” which included: 125 years of NMU’s enrollment history, national and regional demographic landscape trends from 2024 to 2040, Michigan’s high school graduates; NMU’s market share, enrollment projections, and national market approach.
INTRODUCTION OF GRADUATING SENIOR SPEAKING AT MIDYEAR COMMENCEMENT
Mr. Jeff Korpi, Associate Vice President – Northern Student Experience, introduced Mr. Vincent Rodkey, a Nursing major, from Round Lake, Illinois, who will represent the graduating class of winter 2025 at Commencement ceremonies tomorrow, Saturday, December 13, 2025. Mr. Korpi congratulated Mr. Rodkey and presented him with a plaque. A photo was taken with Mr. Rodkey, President Leach, and Mr. Korpi.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF STUDENT CHOICE AWARD RECIPIENT AND COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
President Leach introduced Mr. Ryan Bond, Senior Success Advisor – Humanities / Adjunct Faculty – German and History, who was selected by the graduating students as the Student Choice Award Recipient and December 2025 Commencement Speaker. A photo was taken with Mr. Bond and President Leach.
MOMENT IN NMU HISTORY (Addendum #2)
Dr. Russell Magnaghi, NMU historian, provided a report on “Pacific Islanders at NMU.” His report is appended to these minutes.
ASNMU UPDATE (Addendum #3)
Ms. Cassidy Gibson, President – ASNMU, provided a report on the semester accomplishments. Ms. Gibson answered questions from the Trustees. Her report is appended to these minutes.
STAFF REPORT (Addendum #4)
Mr. Tyler Thompson, President – TOP Union, representing the Staff Labor Council, provided an update on university staff. His report is appended to these minutes.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Addendum #5)
President Leach reported on university accomplishments since the last meeting. His report is appended to these minutes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic Affairs (Addendum #6)
Trustee Lindberg, Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting held earlier today, December 12, 2025. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes.
Finance Committee (Addendum #7)
Vice Chair Holmquist, Chair of the Finance Committee, reported on a meeting held Thursday, December 11, 2025. A copy of the report is appended to these minutes.
ACTION ON FORMAL RECOMMENDATIONS (Addendum #8)
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Fittante, seconded by Trustee Seppanen, and supported by a vote of 7 – 0, to approve the Formal Recommendations.
CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR ELECTIONS
Chair Young asked for nominations from the floor.
Trustee Brown nominated Trustee Holmquist to serve as Chair and Trustee LaPointe-Dunham to serve as Vice Chair for calendar year 2026.
Being no further nominations, Chair Young called for a motion and a second:
It was moved by Trustee Brown, and seconded by Trustee Toutant, to elect Trustee Melissa A. Holmquist as Chair and Trustee Brigitte R. LaPointe-Dunham as Vice-Chair of the NMU Board of Trustees for calendar year 2026.
Being no discussion, Chair Young called the question.
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
|
Aye |
Nay |
|
Stephen E. Young |
|
|
Alexis M. Hart |
|
|
Lisa I. Fittante |
|
|
Melissa A. Holmquist |
|
|
Gregory J. Seppanen |
|
|
Steven W. Lindberg |
|
|
Greg M. Toutant |
|
Motion carries 7 – 0.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF INFORMAL CLOSED SESSIONS TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FEBRUARY 12 – 13, 2026 SESSIONS OF THE BOARD
President Leach made this announcement for the public record.
The following action was taken:
It was moved by Trustee Holmquist, and seconded by Trustee Toutant, to approve the following actions for Interim President Gavin Leach:
· A performance bonus in the amount of $25,000
· Remove the “Interim” designation and appoint him President R. Gavin Leach for the remainder of his term and then Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees.
The following discussion was held:
Trustee Holmquist made the following comments related to her motion:
· She knew Gavin would do an amazing job when the Board appointed him as Interim President;
· He has exceeded her expectations, continued to move the strategic plan forward, and focused on all activities that were in progress;
· She is impressed with his leadership and his focus on the relationship with students, faculty, and staff;
· The bonus and title change are well-deserved;
· It has been a pleasure working with Gavin and she is looking forward to continuing that work in the future.
Trustee Seppanen agreed that the bonus and title change were well-earned.
Being no further discussion, Chair Young called the question.
On a roll-call vote, the Board voted as follows:
|
Aye |
Nay |
|
Stephen E. Young |
|
|
Alexis M. Hart |
|
|
Lisa I. Fittante |
|
|
Melissa A. Holmquist |
|
|
Gregory J. Seppanen |
|
|
Steven W. Lindberg |
|
|
Greg M. Toutant |
|
Motion carried 7 – 0.
Following the motion and vote, Chair Young thanked President Leach for his service to NMU, not just for his term as interim president for the past several months, but for the nearly four decades in the various positions he has held. He noted some of Gavin’s accomplishments as interim president: assistance with hiring and bringing on an interim NMU Foundation CEO; rebuilding relationships with the Foundation Board and navigating the transition of operations; rebuilding positive university relationships with the state legislature, especially the U.P. delegation; secured final bond issuance of $84 million at a below targeted rate; finalized a balanced general fund budget, which included additional support from the State for MPSERS (along with Ms. Deanna Hemmila); guided the university to positive net change on financial statements; worked with staff to secure a small increase in final fall enrollment; continued to help drive the strategic plan forward, amongst many other accomplishments.
Chair Young thanked Mr. Leach for his hard work as NMU’s 18th president noting he was the right person at the right time to lead the university during the transition. He called President Leach to the podium and presented him with a signed, framed photo of the Trustees at the Wildcat Statue and a Wildcat Statue. A photo was taken with the full Board and President Leach.
Vice Chair Holmquist expressed the gratitude of the full Board to Chair Steve Young noting he left a lasting mark on Northern through is steady leadership, collaborative spirit, and genuine care for Northern. He served as chair from January 2022 and is the longest-serving chair in the history of NMU. She presented Chair Young with the gavel he has used during his tenure as NMU’s chairman. Wildcat Willy joined the presentation and a photo was taken.
Chair Young made the following remarks: He didn’t know seven years ago when driving up for his first meeting that NMU would go through five presidents in seven years; that COVID-19 would happen, there would be significant unrest with the union membership that would result in a vote of no confidence in the Board, and that the Marquette General Hospital project would be as controversial as it was. He also didn’t know he would be elected as chair four times! He said in light of everything, it’s clear that NMU and the board have come out stronger. He thanked President Leach and his team for all the support they have given him over the years; Cathy Andrew, the board secretary, and Deanna Hemmila, who walked him through everything, starting at his first meeting as chair through today; and special thanks to his wife, Tricia, and his mom (who just turned 100) for all of their support.
Chair Young opened the floor to the Trustees for Good of the Order.
Trustee Holmquist made the following comments:
· Enjoyed the lunch with the psychological sciences faculty and students doing undergraduate research;
· Happy to see all five U.P. tribal flags prominently displayed in the Superior Dome – the Flag Ceremony was very powerful;
· Enrollment and transfer process – Encouraged the team to continue making it an easy transition for any student who wants to come to NMU;
· Enjoyed hearing about the High Impact Practices and Experiences, particularly the discussion around internships which compliments educational experience with work-based learning;
· Thanked President Leach for his leadership;
· Thanked Chair Young for his leadership noting that as she takes the gavel on she recognizes the importance of the position and plans to continue to build on Chair Young’s leadership style of building relationships and trust across campus, focusing on the strategic plan, people, place, and potential;
· Congratulated the Winter 2025 graduates.
Trustee Fittante touched on the following:
· Thanked Chair Young for his four years serving as Chair, and the seven years of his service on the board, noting she appreciates all he’s done;
· Looks forward to working with Trustee Holmquist as the next char;
· Enjoyed the engagement day activities and happy to see the collaboration between Northern and Mount Manufacturing and Able Medical Devices, noting NMU’s Engineering / Technology Department is doing a great job connecting students with internships and jobs at these facilities – appreciates NMU students getting great hands-on, real world experience;
· Welcomed Dr. Olsen noting she looks forward to working with him;
· Thanked President Leach for his leadership and everything he’s done for NMU throughout his long career.
Trustee Seppanen touched on the following:
· Congratulated the graduating students;
· Thanked Chair Young for his dedication as vice chair and chair of this board noting he is by far the best chair he has ever served on amongst the many committees and commissions he has sat on;
· Congratulated Trustees Holmquist and LaPointe-Dunham on their appointment as chair and vice chair, respectively;
· Welcomed Dr. Olsen to NMU;
· Thanked President Leach noting he is a phenomenal administrator and looks forward to continue working with him during his time left on the board.
Trustee Lindberg said the following:
· Enjoyed the engagement with both Mount Manufacturing and Able Medical Devices – congratulated the Engineering / Technology Department for the high-impact practices they are implementing with these types of programs;
· Enjoyed the engagement with the students;
· Flag Ceremony and the Teal Lake Singers was very special;
· Congratulated Mr. Ryan Bond and Mr. Vincent Rodkey;
· Thanked President Leach noting his outstanding accomplishments and how much he enjoys working with him;
· Thanked Chair Young for the attention to detail and relationship building he has done while serving on the board, especially as chair;
· Welcomed Dr. Olsen, said he is looking forward to working with him and is convinced the board made the right decision with selecting him as NMU’s next president.
Trustee Toutant made the following comments:
· Always learn so much during the meetings;
· General appreciation in the relationships that have been formed with each other;
· Two themes emerge – one is Leadership:
o NMU has continued to succeed through five presidents because of the culture of leadership that exists amongst all constituents;
o Chair Young has always been gracious with his time, talent, and is always willing to talk and nurture things along – this is very much appreciated;
o President Leach – everything he’s done throughout his entire career is magnified in the last few months in terms of how he’s kept things going and moving in the right direction;
o High Impact Practices – the leadership teams were high impact practices before that was a term.
· Second theme is Community Integration:
o Was seen in action with the engagement that occurred with Mount Manufacturing and Able Medical Devices, as well as the engagement with the City Manager and Mayor;
o More cross promotion can be done – systems are in currently in place; however, what more can be done for expanding that with internships and targeted approaches.
· Congratulated the graduates and noted he is always proud to be a Wildcat.
Trustee Brown said the following:
· Wrapping up her first year on the Board;
· Often heard community members, board members, faculty, staff, and others say that we’re a small community, a small campus, and small part of the state which may lead someone thinking small efforts often equal small results or small rewards – she has seen the opposite here on campus – small equals great promise, great opportunity, outcomes, research being done, community support, board support, student success, community partnership, alumni effort, faculty, and staff – small can equal great promise;
· Proud to be a board member and appreciate the effort that goes into planning the meetings and presentations;
· Appreciates Thursday’s engagement opportunities:
o Able Medical and Mount Manufacturing provided her with a better understanding of the impact of lifestyle they are making in the community;
o Flag Ceremony was awesome;
· Thanked President Leach for his support and leadership;
· Thanked Secretary Andrew as she keeps this board going and has been supportive in her journey as a trustee;
· Thanked Chair Young for his mentoring and leadership;
· Congratulated Trustees Holmquist and LaPointe-Dunham on their election as Chair and Vice Chair for next year;
· Welcomed Dr. Olsen and is looking forward to working with him.
Chair Young made the following comments:
· Learned so much from everyone which has been very rewarding;
· Wonderful experiences interacting with such a high caliber level of people in helping run NMU – this will never be forgotten;
· Thanked President Leach for his mentorship;
· Appreciates everyone and will do so for the rest of his life;
· Welcomed Dr. Olsen and is looking forward to working with him.
Chair Young adjourned the meeting at 11:54 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/signed/Cathy A. Andrew
Secretary of the Board of Trustees