Central Michigan University announces changes at the top

There's some reorganization happening for the administration at Central Michigan University. The school announced changes in several executive-level positions recently, which were effective Jan. 17.

The position of VP for development and alumni relations was eliminated, while a new position with the title of VP for enrollment and student services was added. Two vice-presidencies were rolled into one, in the person of Kathleen Wilbur, who will oversee development and alumni relations as well as government relations and public affairs, with the title of VP of development and external relations. She previously was the VP of government relations and public affairs. The number of VPs still remains at four with the addition of the new position.

A search for a candidate to fill the position of VP of enrollment and student services will begin shortly.

"Following a comprehensive review of our leadership team and the myriad of challenges facing our state and higher education, the reorganization will better enable us to provide an exceptional learning environment for our students," says CMU president George Ross of the changes.

Other administrative changes also were made, including that Ted Tolcher, who was serving as the interim VP of development and alumni relations, will go back to his previous job as assistant VP of CMU's major and planned giving program. General counsel Manuel Rupe also will now report to Ross, instead of to the VP of finance and administrative services.

The university's announcement said the changes were made in response to the changing needs of CMU. Some of the factors that had a direct impact on the reorganization were the state of the economy, and a decline in high school students in the state, meaning fewer freshmen.

Finally, CMU also announced the appointment of a new dean for the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, Pamela Gates. She's previously been the interim dean, and has taught at CMU since 1989.

Athletics Director David Heeke also signed a new three-year contract with CMU.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: George Ross, Central Michigan University