NMU Board Elects New Chair, Vice Chair

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees elected NMU alumnae Missie Holmquist of Marquette as chair and Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham of Baraga as vice chair, effective Jan. 1.

Holmquist holds two degrees from Northern: a 2002 bachelor's in psychology and a 2004 master of arts in education. She is president and CEO of Upper Peninsula Health Plan. Holmquist was appointed to the board in February 2022 to fill the remaining term of a trustee who moved out of state. Her appointment runs through Dec. 31, 2026. She currently serves as vice chair.

LaPointe-Dunham earned a bachelor's degree in sports science from NMU in 2009, a master's certificate in performance improvement-training and development in 2012, and a master's in exercise science in 2015. She is the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community CEO and an enrolled member. LaPointe-Dunham was appointed to the board in February 2023; her term expires Dec. 31 2030.

Trustees recognized outgoing chair Steve Young, who served four consecutive years in the role-the longest tenure in NMU history. He will remain on the board through December 2026. They also praised Gavin Leach for his highly productive leadership of NMU during a presidential transition over the past six months.

The board approved the following actions for Leach: a $25,000 performance bonus; removing his "interim" designation and appointing him president for the remainder of his term; and a new title of executive vice president for finance and treasurer of the NMU Board of Trustees for after his term expires.

"This is very well-deserved, Gavin," Holmquist said. "I knew you would do an amazing job, but you've exceeded my expectations. We really never missed a beat during this transition process, and he continued to really move our strategic plan forward and focused on all of the activities we already had in progress. I' been really impressed with your leadership during this time, and I look forward to continuing to work with you into the future."

Holmquist credited Young for demonstrating steady leadership, a collaborative spirit and genuine care for the institution as board chair.

"Under Steve's guidance, the board has not only navigated challenges, but strengthened the foundation of trust and communication across the entire campus," she said. "During his tenure as chair, NMU underwent two presidential searches, times of significant transition that require both steady hands and clear vision. Through it all, Steve's leadership remained unwavering and focused on continuing NMU's positive progress. His thoughtful approach, steady voice of reason and ability to build lasting relationships have helped move NMU forward in meaningful and lasting ways. That spirit of connection and building trust will be his enduring legacy."

In other action, the board:

-Awarded a posthumous bachelor of science degree in multimedia production to Trevor Forsythe of Dryden, Mich. He anticipated graduating this month, but passed away in August.

-Agreed to change the name of Student Support Services to the ASSIST Office (Academic Support and Student Intervention Services Team).

-Granted Professor Emeritus status to Daric Christian, Art & Design, effective immediately.

-Accepted a donation of 10 offset lithographs by artist Bruce Conner, valued at $33,000, for the DeVos Art Museum's permanent collection.

-Approved the appointment of Tyron Robertson to the Burton Glen Charter Academy board through June 30, 2028.