Western Michigan University President John Dunn says he plans to retire next summer. Dunn announced Monday that he’ll step down at the end of June next year. He’s been Western’s president for ten years. After he retires, Dunn will serve as “President Emeritus” for another year. He says that will include working on projects and issues identified by university trustees and the new president. Dunn says his goal in his new role is to be "helpful but not intrusive."
During his time at the university, Western opened its medical school and created new programs for students who are veterans or from foster care, among others. University officials say the number of honors students studying at WMU also increased sharply during Dunn's tenure.
Western Board of Trustees Chairman Ken Miller says a search committee will begin looking for Dunn’s successor immediately. Miller says it will include faculty, staff, students, and alumni, as well as the wider community.
Dunn will be nearing his 72nd birthday when his current contract with the university runs out June 30, 2017. He became WMU's eighth president in 2007 after serving as provost and vice- chancellor at Southern Illinois University- Carbondale. Dunn had earlier served in administrative roles at the University of Utah and Oregon State University.
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