Haynes Named NMU President

Northern Michigan University issued the following press release this afternoon. Tune in to ABC 10 News Now at 5:30 for details:

David Haynes has been appointed the 14th president of Northern Michigan University by the NMU Board of Trustees, effective Monday, May 14. He will replace Les Wong, who announced today that he has accepted the presidency at San Francisco State University.

“It is a privilege to have been selected as president by the NMU Board of Trustees and to have the opportunity to serve my alma mater in this capacity,” Haynes said.

Haynes has been professionally affiliated with NMU for 27 years in various capacities. He has served as an adviser to five presidents, special adviser to Wong on public policy and member of the president’s cabinet. Haynes has been an associate professor of political science and public administration for the past six years and directs the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program. He also is co-director of the NMU Center for Rural Community and Economic Development and chair of the faculty senate graduate programs committee.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree from NMU, Haynes holds a juris doctorate from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law.

“We are fortunate that we have a plan in place to provide continuity and clear direction to the university,” said Brian Cloyd, chair of the NMU Board of Trustees. “David has a thorough understanding of the current issues facing Northern Michigan University both internally and externally. The board is keenly aware of the importance of moving forward with its top three priorities: a successful resolution of the current employee contracts under negotiation; increasing enrollment and retaining current students; and finalizing a branding and marketing plan to provide additional revenues to the university in order to implement the strategic plan. Additionally, we have directed him to immediately review both the provost and athletic director searches and to make a recommendation to us.”

Cloyd said the appointment is for a minimum of two years and Haynes will have full responsibility for successfully implementing the board’s priorities and overseeing all operations of the university.