Some major changes are taking place in the leadership at
Northern Michigan University. President Les Wong, who has been at Northern since 2004, announced he will accept the presidency at
San Francisco State University as of August 1.
"I am extremely honored to take the leadership of one of the gems of the California state system," says Wong. "However, my years in service to Northern and to the U.P. will not be forgotten. Northern’s magic is special and Phyllis and I feel fortunate to have been a part of its evolution."
The Wongs came to Marquette from North Dakota, but are from California originally and have family in the San Francisco area.
Among his accomplishments while at Northern is the university's strategic plan, the "Road Map to 2015," and the university's own WiMAX network.
The NMU Board of Trustees announced, at the same time, that David Haynes will serve as interim president for a two-year term. Haynes has served the last five NMU presidents in an adviser capacity, and also is a professor of political science and public administration, and co-director of the NMU Center for Rural Community and Economic Development.
Haynes received a bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University and a doctorate from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Northern Michigan University
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