Eastern Michigan University (EMU) invites nominations, applications, and expressions of interest in its search for a bold and courageous leader to serve as its next President.
EMU serves nearly 13,000 students across more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations in undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate programs. Academic offerings are housed in the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and the Graduate School. With an emphasis on student success and workforce readiness, EMU combines academic rigor with experiential learning across all disciplines. EMU has been named ‘Best of the Midwest’ university by The Princeton Review for the 19th consecutive year.
Eastern Michigan’s mission—to enrich lives through a distinctly supportive, intellectually dynamic, and diverse community—guides its approach to teaching, learning, and service. Faculty are committed educators and scholars who bring research and industry knowledge into the classroom while mentoring students for academic, personal, and professional growth. Signature programs, such as the annual Undergraduate Symposium, offer students the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and present original research, creative projects, and applied work across various disciplines. EMU is also recognized as a Carnegie Engaged Campus, reflecting the University’s deep commitment to civic engagement and public impact.
The University’s next President will be expected to crystalize, communicate, and champion EMU’s identity – instilling pride in those on campus and advancing its reputation with prospective students, community partners, business and industry, and state leaders. The University created a strategic plan in 2015 that was updated in 2022, providing an opportunity for EMU’s next President to work closely with the Board of Regents and University community to develop a strategic plan that will put the institution on a path for future success. This individual will need to work across the institution to shape a successful enrollment strategy, advance student success, and ensure the financial and organizational health of EMU now and into the future. This individual will play a critical role in working beyond campus to build productive relationships that benefit the University and Southeast Michigan.
The next President of Eastern Michigan University must bring significant leadership experience and demonstrate a record of collaboratively setting strategic direction, effectively communicating a vision, and ensuring accountability in the achievement of organizational goals. This individual should demonstrate an ability to create high-functioning teams that represent the University’s student body. While it is preferred this individual has led in a higher education environment, the University will consider candidates who have led other complex organizations and demonstrate a passion for EMU’s mission.
All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile at WittKieffer.com and a CV or resume. WittKieffer is assisting Eastern Michigan University in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 5, 2025. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Ryan Crawford, Lauren Bruce-Stets, and Julia Bradley at [email protected].
Eastern Michigan University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, ancestry, disability, military status, veteran status or other non-merit reasons, in admissions, educational programs or activities and employment and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
