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We now have a medical school and a Law school, things I never thought Western would have back in the day. President Dunn has taken us to new heights, but he'll likely retire soon. What challenges should the next President focus on, to continue the separation of WMU from the other state universities. Where do you want to see us go?

I exchanged emails with President Dunn on some thoughts and he indicated that promoting the PT program was next on the university's agenda. I don't profess to know much about that field or the job prospects within it, but with an ageing population they are probably pretty good.

Also, reading the current edition of the Alumni magazine, I really like the program we've added for Fermentation Studies. Micro-breweries and specialty brew producers add $ 3 Billion to Michigan's economy. This is another area where WMU assessed the state economy, saw the need for a program and moved assertively.

Where else do you feel Western needs to focus to broaden our offerings?

One thing i'd like to see (outside of expanded offerings) is to continue updating the facilities as much as possible. We don't have all of the 1800's architecture that UM and MSU have to look pretty to students and outsiders, why not be one of the more modern looking universities if we can?

I agree with facility upgrades, but also improving (physical) connectivity with Downtown Kalamazoo and integrating our campuses with the core of our central city... would have a massive economic impact. Think Ann Arbor and East Lansing.

It's time for WMU to really engage their alumni for all kinds of efforts - fundraising and goodwill being prominent.

That said, WMU also needs to develop a long term connection with current and future students, creating a giving culture moving forward. Development is going to become extremely important moving forward, as money just isn't coming in from elsewhere.