NMU Board Approves New Apartments, Extends Tessman's Contract

With Northern Michigan University housing at full capacity and continued enrollment growth increasing student demand to live on campus, the NMU Board of Trustees today agreed to invest $3.5 million in design, development and construction management services for two new apartment complexes, capable of accommodating 384 students. The two buildings will be located on university property along both sides of Presque Isle Avenue-one between Fair Avenue and Subway on the east, and the other from Cohodas Hall to Waldo Street on the west.

"The positive gains we've made in enrollment in recent years have increased the demand for housing on campus and in the community," said Gavin Leach, vice president for Finance and Administration. "It escalated to the point that we needed to pursue an option for addressing the issue as part of our strategic goals to enhance the student experience, reduce barriers to success and promote well-being. It's ideal if students don't have to struggle to find available and affordable housing options when they arrive in Marquette."

The current plan would include a mix of studio/1BR, 2BR and 4BR apartments. The total cost for the project is estimated at about $55 million. Leach said it will be funded by apartment rental revenues and managed similar to The Woods residence halls.

Construction is planned to begin in fall 2025 and be completed before the fall semester in 2027. Two NMU Dining Services operations will be impacted by the project: Smoothie King ceased operations today and Temaki will return to its original location in Hedgcock in summer 2025.

On another facilities note, trustees approved $835,000 for design services related to the Northern Enterprise Center, a planned addition to C.B. Hedgcock that will house the College of Business.

The board also voted to extend President Brock Tessman's contract by an additional two years, through June 30, 2029, and to amend his deferred compensation agreement. Tessman will receive $50,000 in deferred compensation June 30, 2025, $60,000 on the same date in 2026, and $70,000 in 2027.

"We've been incredibly pleased with the direction that Northern is heading under Brock's leadership, which has fueled positive upticks in enrollment and retention," said Board Vice Chair Alexis Hart. "The Grand Challenges laid out in the university's human-centric strategic plan and the progress already being made there is impressive. There are other exciting campus initiatives and facilities projects on the horizon. Brock is also committed to community outreach, creating partnerships that will benefit both the university and region. This contract extension signifies that we approve of the fine job he is doing and we're supportive of him continuing as Northern's president for a longer period."

"It is a privilege to be in this role and be recognized in this way," Tessman said. "But I just want to say that we are 100% a team in the way we all work together, from the board and myself to our faculty, staff and students. There are many goals we have in front of us: continued communication improvements, cultural improvements on campus, investment in our employees, certainly enrollment growth, and the grand challenges in the 'Our Compass' strategic plan. That all takes time. It's really inspiring for me to know that I may have a couple more years to pursue these big objectives with this team."

In other action at today's meeting, the board:

-Elected Steve Young to a fourth term as board chair and trustee Missie Holmquist of Marquette as vice chair;

-Recognized outgoing trustees Alexis Hart and Lisa Fittante, whose terms will expire at the end of December, and former trustee Tami Seavoy for achieving emeritus status;

-Approved professor emeritus status for the following: Neil Cumberlidge, Biology; Lisa Flood, Nursing; and James McCommons, English.

-Approved the Nov. 26 purchase of real estate property, commonly described as 1500 Presque Isle Avenue;

-Accepted Michigan Arts and Culture Council Project Support grants of $12,000 each to support a summer Musical Theatre Intensive on campus and an April 2025 "Water is Life Festival" organized by the Center for Native American Studies;

-Agreed to revisions of the board's bylaws and its trustee emeritus policy and procedures; and

-Participated in a focus discussion on supporting Indigenous student and faculty success.

For more on the board, including its meeting schedule, visit nmu.edu/board.