MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Northern Michigan University officially celebrated the tenure of its 19th President, Chris Olsen on Friday.
Northern held Olsen’s investiture ceremony after a week of related events around campus, featuring hopeful remarks from the student body president, NMU faculty leaders, and a former colleage of his from Indiana State University. Speakers focused on what Olsen will bring to the university’s future, while adapting to current challenges seen in higher education across the country.
“As we face these challenges, one tool that will be required is boldness,” said ASNMU Student Body President Mikayla Christenson. “This does not just mean making difficut decisions, or being the first university to act apart from others, it also means listening to its students.”
In his investature address, Olsen explained that with more assistance through NMU’s changes in numbers and financial abilities, the university is still on a path of continued success.
“If NMU and schools like us continue to struggle, what happens? We do need a little bit more support and a little bit more advocacy in some ways,” he said. “I’m optomistic we will continue to affect the region, the state, and the country positively, and most importantly, to improve the lives and careers of our students.”
President Olsen has already served in his position for nine months, and is contracted through June of 2031.
