KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — Trustees have selected economist and labor expert Edward Montgomery as Western Michigan University’s ninth president.
The decision was made unanimously during a special meeting Wednesday morning.
The 61-year-old Dean of the Georgetown Public Policy Institute and former “car czar” under the Obama administration has an over 35-year academic career, which includes stops at Michigan State University, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Maryland.
“Working together, I know we can enhance our global reach, honor our commitments to sustainability, diversity and inclusively, and strengthen our financial position while making Western Michigan the institution of choice for every child and student in the state of Michigan and this region,” Montgomery said after the vote.
Montgomery, who holds an undergraduate degree from Penn State University and master’s and doctoral degrees from Harvard, will replace the retiring John Dunn.
“I liken following President Dunn to being the guy who had to follow Barry Sanders on the Detroit Lions,” Montgomery said.
Montgomery will take over August 1.
“Joining this remarkable Bronco community is an incredible privilege and the highlight of my career,” Montgomery said.
Dunn will continue as president through July 31.
Montgomery’s five-year contract calls for an annual salary of $450,000. A deferred compensation and retirement package will provide another $50,000 annually, according to a press release from the school.
