The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents will hold a special meeting next week to formally elect and introduce the next president of EMU.
The special meeting will take place in Room 201, Welch Hall, on Dec. 10, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., said Board Chairman Nathan Ford at the Dec. 4, 2025, regents meeting. A reception for the campus community to meet the new president will occur after the special meeting, at 2 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Center, adjacent from the ballroom, Ford said.
The presidential search has been ongoing since current EMU President James Smith announced his intent in June, 2024, to step down from his position when his contract expires on June 30, 2026.
Read more: Regents say EMU president position to be filled by end of 2025- The Eastern Echo
"This marks the culmination of a very thoughtful, thorough and inclusive search process," Ford said.
A 16-person Presidential Search Advisory Committee included campus and Ypsilanti community stakeholders and was tasked with offering input and providing recommendations to the regents. The Presidential Search Committee, composed of the eight members of the EMU Board of Regents, makes the final decision in hiring a new president.
"Together, with the advisory committee and the many members of our campus community who participated in listening sessions and recruitment efforts, we have ensured that this search reflects the values, aspirations and future direction of Eastern Michigan University," Ford said.
