W Magazine

A portrait of President Edward Montgomery inside the WMU Student Center.

A Bronco Promise delivered

With a steadfast commitment to student success, President Edward Montgomery retires with a legacy of record student success outcomes and what remains the largest gift ever for a public university in U.S. history.
Learn about his transformative tenure

Dear friends and colleagues,

A group photo in cowboy hats.
WMU board chair Shelly Edgerton, trustee Lynn Chen-Zhang and trustee Lisa Williams attend the send-off celebration for President and Mrs. Montgomery in Read Fieldhouse.

As we close the book on what has been an exciting and wonderful chapter in our lives, Kari and I want to express our gratitude to everyone in the Bronco community for your warmth and hospitality. Eight years have flown by in the blink of an eye, but the memories we have made on campus will last a lifetime.

I’ve always said the “special sauce” of Western Michigan University is its people. From our incredibly dedicated staff and amazing faculty to our passionate alumni and steadfast supporters, this University thrives because of individuals who commit themselves every day to our mission, “So that all may learn.” The result is a transformative educational experience that not only prepares students for meaningful careers but also empowers them to become engaged, thoughtful citizens with fulfilling lives.

We have been fortunate to witness that commitment firsthand as the proud parents of a double Bronco. Watching our son, EJ, grow and benefit from this community has been one of our greatest joys. And one of my proudest moments—both as president and as a parent—was handing him his master’s degree as he crossed the stage at Miller Auditorium. That commencement—and each one I have had the privilege of presiding over—symbolizes the life-altering journey we all help bring about. Talk about satisfying moments that encapsulate why we do what we do!

President Edward Montgomery and President-elect Russ Kavalhuna shake hands.
President Montgomery congratulates President-elect Russ Kavalhuna as he is appointed by the WMU Board of Trustees to serve as Western's 10th leader.

Over the past eight years, our journey has certainly had its challenges, but it has also been filled with remarkable accomplishments. From navigating a global pandemic to celebrating national championships, we have persevered and prevailed. Without a doubt, Broncos are resilient.

As this unforgettable season at Western comes to a close for us, we depart with a deep sense of pride and humility for all we have accomplished together as a community. It has been an honor to serve as your ninth president and to share in so many meaningful moments. We will always be Broncos, and Western will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Now, please join us in warmly welcoming President-elect Russ Kavalhuna and his family as he steps into the role of Western’s 10th president this July. I look forward to seeing the next chapter of Western Michigan University unfold under his leadership! 

With best wishes,

Image
Edward Montgomery, PhD
President
 

Thank you, President Montgomery!

As Dr. Edward Montgomery concludes his presidency, WMU celebrates a tenure marked by bold transformation and lasting impact. His leadership ushered in the historic $550 million Empowering Futures Gift and a series of initiatives that reimagined campus spaces and student support systems.

From an award-winning WMU Student Center to expanded essential needs services and rising retention rates, he leaves behind a legacy of access, belonging and student success.

A fleet of airplanes is fanned out on the tarmac.

Future in formation

Ten-hut! Meet our modern metal at the College of Aviation—all 32 of them. Formed, fueled and fit to fly, the new Cirrus fleet is now ready for future flyers to soar, equipped with the most advanced avionics technology available and advanced safety features. This is more than a fleet—it’s the future of flight.

Alumni profiles

Every Bronco’s journey is unique, but Experience-Driven Learning, mentorship and determination are constants. Whether solving complex equations, building winning teams or balancing the books, our new alumni are launching careers equipped with the tools to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

A portrait of Margaret Mooney in her graduation regalia.

Ready for launch

After a number of impactful internships and research experiences, engineering grad Margaret Mooney is ready to expand the horizons of space research.

See how she's propelling into her dream job
Ethan Cheatham holds a basketball while wearing his graduation regalia in front of the Bronco statue.

Elevated experience

Sport management grad Ethan Cheatham was a triple threat at Western, building a strong resume through leadership roles, an internship and relationships on campus.

Check out where he's taking his talents next
A portrait of Jesus Osvaldo Marinez-Jimenez in his graduation regalia.

Success with interest

Accountancy grad Jesus Osvaldo Martinez-Jimenez saw how holistic support adds up through a number of professional development and internship opportunities.

Learn how his efforts toward securing a job paid off
The WMU Student Center lit up at dusk.

Aglow with possibility

The heart of campus is sunsetting an impactful season of leadership at Western as President Edward Montgomery prepares to retire after nearly eight years serving Bronco Nation. When students return for fall classes in August, the sun will rise on the next era of Western with President-elect Russ Kavalhuna.
A portrait of Heather Stanley in front of Heritage Hall.

Bronco back in the saddle focused on alumni experience

Meeting and working alongside incredible Bronco alumni reinforced how meaningful it is to give back to the place that shaped me.
Heather Stanley, BA '99, senior director of alumni experience
Learn how she's working to get alumni engaged
Buster Bronco and President Edward Montgomery put their hands up in W formations.

One last ride

President Montgomery and Buster Bronco will celebrate their last commencement together on Saturday, June 28, congratulating summer graduates at the iconic Miller Fountain. Farewell, President Montgomery!