Family, Integrity, and the Future: Neil MacKinnon Takes the Helm at CMU

MT. PLEASANT, Mich —Neil MacKinnon is no stranger to the challenges of leading a university.

After years in various academic roles across the U.S. and Canada, he’s now stepping into his new role as the 16th president of Central Michigan University. With his background in academia and healthcare, MacKinnon brings experience to the position.

MacKinnon’s leadership at CMU focuses on student success, diversity, and expanding the university’s research and health programs. Drawing on his past experience as a provost and a dean, he plans to implement a strategic enrollment management plan, grow research funding, and ensure CMU remains an inclusive community for all students.

“I really learned about kind of the secret sauce of enrollment growth… and the University of Cincinnati had incredible growth,” MacKinnon said. He was the Dean at the University of Cincinnati and served on the main University committee that looked at enrollment.

MacKinnon’s path to CMU’s presidency was shaped by his extensive career in higher education. Before coming to Mount Pleasant, he served as Provost at Augusta University, where he oversaw academic affairs, research, and a growing health sciences program. This experience aligns well with CMU’s strategic priorities, including plans to expand its medical school and introduce new health-related programs. MacKinnon said, “I’m here to build on the strengths of CMU and to listen and learn from students, faculty, and the broader community.”

Central to his approach is a commitment to student success. MacKinnon defines student success by graduation rates, retention, and post-graduation employment. He’s particularly proud of CMU’s recent achievements, such as a 95% post-graduation success rate, which includes employment or acceptance into graduate school. As president, MacKinnon aims to further enhance student outcomes by focusing on retention, especially for students from diverse backgrounds who may face additional challenges.

MacKinnon’s leadership style focuses on student-centered leadership. He points to CMU’s unique approach, where student leaders sit on the Academic Senate, giving them a direct voice in university governance. “Engaging students in decision-making makes CMU better,” he said.

In his first months as president, MacKinnon has prioritized understanding the needs of the university and the community. He’s taken time to meet with students, faculty, and local leaders, and has even spent evenings dining in CMU’s student cafeterias. “To listen and meet students, my wife and I are eating in the dining halls three to four nights a week,” MacKinnon explained. “Doing things like that are very intentional, making sure that we're truly part of this community.”

MacKinnon’s leadership is grounded in values learned from his family life. His wife, Leanne, describes him as a “fun and engaged dad” who instilled values of integrity, honesty, and humor in his family. These values, she believes, will shape his leadership at CMU. “He is so personable, down to earth, and approachable. He puts others' needs before himself in his leadership,” she said.

As for the future, MacKinnon is optimistic about CMU’s potential. With plans to improve enrollment, research, and community engagement, he’s focused on creating a lasting impact. MacKinnon will hold a university event in February to share his plans with the faculty and students. “I'll be sharing the vision based on what I've heard, assessing the strengths and weaknesses, and where we should be headed, so stay tuned,” MacKinnon said.