Western Michigan University president John Dunn says the next leader of the school will find it to be a strong and accomplished institution. Dunn, who is retiring next June, gave the annual State of the University addressat Western’s Bernhard Center today.
Dunn praised achievements from growing Western’s business and research park with a new $2.1 million grant, to getting an aviation program off the ground in Florida. He also mentioned WMU’s 22 percent minority enrollment rate and a partnership with the Cooley Law School to find wrongful convictions.
And Dunn said he’s thrilled that the university is about to award its 100th bachelor’s degree in a program for former foster students.
“To see them grab that opportunity, walk across that stage with degree in hand, the return on the investment, folks, is phenomenal. And we’re going to see that for years and years to come, not only here, but society at large,” he said.
Dunn says Western has made “monumental” strides despite reduced funding.
“This is a university community that is resilient. Tough if you like. We’ve made enormous progress – collectively – we have made enormous progress during one of the most challenging and financially dark periods in the history of Michigan,” he said.
Dunn has been Western’s president since 2007. WMUK will broadcast the State of the University address today at 7 p.m.
