David S. Haynes
President of Northern Michigan University from 2012-2014
Biography:
David Haynes, the recipient of the 1988 NMU Distinguished Alumni Award, was NMU’s first alumni president. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science and history from NMU and went on to receive his Juris Doctorate degree from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. Having worked with NMU in some capacity—whether as a professor of history, advisor to multiple presidents, or co-director of the NMU Center for Rural Community and Economic Development—for decades before becoming president, he knew the ins-and-outs of the institution better than many newcomers could. His appointment was as interim president for a two-year contract, during which time he oversaw construction on the new Jamrich Hall. Despite his insider knowledge of NMU, Haynes decided not to put his name in the running for the permanent president position for which the board searched for candidates during his interim presidency. Instead, he chose to follow his passion back to the classroom, where he still teaches as a professor of political science.