KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – After leading Western Michigan University for the past seven years, President Edward Montgomery has announced his retirement, effective next summer.
WMU officials say Montgomery has led Western to remarkable milestones, including its first enrollment increase in a decade, record student retention and six-year graduation rates, an all-time high in research productivity, and the largest gift ever made to a public university in U.S. history.
His tenure ends June 30, 2025, and the University will begin a nationwide search this fall for his successor.
The 69-year-old Montgomery joined Western as its ninth president in 2017. Under his guidance, the University has advanced many student-centered initiatives aimed at amplifying student access, well-being and career readiness, including an array of programs and services made possible by the nationally historic $550 million Empowering Futures Gift.
In addition to nationally historic $550 million Empowering Futures Gift from an anonymous WMU alumni in 2021, projects completed during Montgomery’s tenure include the new WMU Student Center, new Aviation Education Facility, vastly renovated Dunbar Hall and the first new residence hall to be built on campus in eleven years, expected to be completed in 2026.
Shelly Edgerton, chair of the WMU Board of Trustees, says “The board and I are grateful for the early notice of his retirement, allowing us time to identify the next leader and ensure a smooth transition. This will enable us to build on our momentum and take Western to even greater heights. But we will miss Dr. Montgomery.”
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