EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University’s Board of Regents has named WittKieffer to support the national search for the University's next president. Current EMU President James Smith will step down from the position on June 30, 2026, at the end of his current contract following 10 transformative years leading the university.

WittKieffer is a leader in higher education searches and advisory services, annually conducting more than 500 leadership engagements in this space. WittKieffer has conducted more than 140 president/chancellor searches for colleges and universities throughout the United States in the last five years. This results in the firm’s deep understanding of the higher education industry and a broad network of higher education leaders.

In Michigan, WittKieffer has conducted more than 30 searches for clients across the state over the last five years, including recent presidential searches at Central Michigan, Ferris State, Saginaw Valley State, and Wayne State. The firm also led Eastern's successful 2023 search for a new vice president for Enrollment Management. This experience has allowed the team to develop a strong network of leaders committed to the region and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing public institutions in Michigan.

“The success of an important process such as this is dependent on identifying an extensive list of highly qualified candidates,” said Nate Ford, chairman of the Eastern Michigan Board of Regents. “WittKieffer has the expertise, connections, market and industry awareness to help build a strong applicant pool. From this group, we will identify the best-of-the-best to lead this great university into the future.

“The Presidential Search Committee, which is made up of all of the members of the University’s Board of Regents, is deeply invested in the success of this process,” said Ford. “Fellow Board colleague, Regent Anupam Chugh Sidhu, is equally committed to her important role as chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC), which will include individuals representing various campus constituencies, including faculty, students, staff, alumni and donors.”

Members of the PSAC will be announced soon.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings andpoints of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.