MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A former high-ranking administrator at Northern Michigan University has filed a notice of intent to sue the school, alleging she was discriminated against based on her age and gender, according to a document filed Monday with the Michigan Court of Claims.
Christine Greer, who served as Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Student Success and as Dean of Students, said she was wrongfully terminated after more than two decades working at the university. Greer, 68, claims former NMU President Brock Tessman reassigned her duties to a younger, less qualified male colleague in the months leading up to her dismissal.
The notice, filed by Sterling Attorneys at Law, outlines what Greer describes as a pattern of devaluation and retaliation following her efforts to raise concerns about the lack of opportunities for qualified women within the administration.
In the filing, Greer says she received excellent performance reviews throughout her 23-year career and had no history of disciplinary action. However, in August 2024, she was told she would be fired effective October 1, allegedly due to performance issues. Greer claims those reasons were fabricated.
The claim asserts violations of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act.
Greer is seeking damages including lost wages, benefits, emotional distress, and reputational harm.
The court document serves as a preliminary step required under state law before a formal lawsuit can be filed against a state institution. The filing does not indicate whether the court has found merit in the allegations.
WMZQ is in contact with Sterling Attorneys at Law and Northern Michigan University for statements.
WZMQ is collecting more information and will continue to follow this developing story.
