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Dunn garners high praise, contract extension from board

by Cheryl Roland

Sept. 29, 2011 | WMU News

Photo of WMU President John M. Dunn.
President John M. Dunn
KALAMAZOO--Citing a record of "outstanding leadership and commitment to the University, the community and beyond," the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees demonstrated its support for President John M. Dunn at its Sept. 28 meeting by enacting a two-year extension to his contract through June 30, 2016.

This is the fourth positive evaluation Dunn has received from the board since he took the reins of WMU July 1, 2007. The board resolution noted the budgetary constraints that have kept the University from providing salary increases to any employees except those with previous contractual commitments. For that reason, no salary increase was recommended. Instead, the board resolution calls for the contract extension to "demonstrate its continued strong support" for the president.

"I will tell you that to a person on this board, we have been exceedingly impressed and pleased by the hard work and sacrifice shown by not only President John Dunn, but also by his partner, his wife Linda," said Board Chair Dennis Archer in introducing the evaluation report prepared by a three-trustee committee. "We've all been very, very impressed by his work and his commitment to Western Michigan University."

A three-member committee of trustees was formed earlier this year and charged with carrying out the evaluation of the president. The panel included Trustees Dana Debel, Ken Miller and Larry Tolbert. In July, the full board accepted the committee's recommendation for the criteria to be used in the evaluation process. Eight goals ranging from strategic planning and recruitment to strengthening the University's image were among the criteria identified for use in the evaluation process.