WMU trustees appoint Russ Kavalhuna, J.D., as University’s 10th president

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees today appointed Russ Kavalhuna, J.D., as the 10th president of Western Michigan University, bringing to the role an unmatched blend of public service, higher education leadership and a results-oriented approach to education that will build on WMU’s positive momentum. He is set to join campus on July 1, 2025.

Currently president of Henry Ford College (HFC) and a WMU alumnus with a multifaceted professional background, Kavalhuna has charted a career defined by advocacy, accountability and transformative leadership. His appointment comes following a nationwide search for a leader to succeed WMU’s current president, Dr. Edward Montgomery, who retires on June 30.

As president of HFC since 2018, Kavalhuna has led the more than 11,000-student institution in Dearborn, Michigan, to achieve enrollment growth along with increased retention and graduation rates. Prior to his appointment as the college’s president, he was executive director of flight operations at WMU’s College of Aviation, a role Kavalhuna assumed after serving as a federal prosecutor, a Michigan Supreme Court law clerk and, before that, as a commercial airline captain.

President-elect Kavalhuna has never chosen the easy path—only the meaningful one, says WMU Board of Trustees Chair Shelly Edgerton. “That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need in this era of change. He is principled, agile and collaborative, and we’re confident he is the right person to lead our institution through the greatest disruption higher education has seen in a generation.”

In WMU’s 10th president, the Board of Trustees has tapped a highly accomplished higher education leader who has a proven track record of success leading a large institution and a clear understanding of the work ahead, Edgerton says.

“Together, we are poised to journey and enter an exciting new era; one that will be defined by bold ideas, transformative growth and extraordinary achievements under his guidance and stewardship,” adds Alan Turfe, vice chair of the board.

Throughout his career, Kavalhuna has been known for delivering results while staying grounded in mission. Over his tenure as Henry Ford College president, he improved student outcomes, expanded market share, strengthened financial stability and forged strong relationships with students, faculty, staff and the greater community.

“I am deeply grateful, humbled and honored to serve as the next president of Western Michigan University,” Kavalhuna says. “This work is personal to me. Kalamazoo and WMU are where my journey began—not only as a student but later in the classroom. My academic heart will always reside here.”

Kavalhuna was first introduced to Western by his parents, who are both graduates of the University and enjoyed careers as educators.

“I’ve spent my life in this state, and I’ve seen how WMU has lifted individuals, families and entire communities,” he says. “That’s why I consider it the greatest honor of my career to serve as WMU’s Bronco Advocate in Chief. Coming back to WMU is a pinch-me moment of coming home. I believe deeply in the mission of WMU and higher education, and I will fight every day to tell our story, strengthen our partnerships and continue earning the public’s trust.

"All of us in higher education face significant challenges. As a sitting president during COVID and during the last three months, I know we are facing unprecedented times. But I also know WMU's strength—the power of Bronco Nation."

Kavalhuna steps into this new role at a pivotal moment—for WMU, for higher education and for the communities that colleges and universities serve. Though the value of what Western Michigan University and higher education as a sector offer students and society is undeniable and more relevant than ever, questions about the value proposition of higher education have intensified.

It’s an issue Kavalhuna navigated and studied as HFC’s president as well as co-chair of the Growing Michigan Together Council’s Workgroup on Higher Education. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed him to this group charged with developing and proposing ways for Michigan’s higher education institutions to support the goal of retaining and increasing the population in Michigan.

Trustee Kara Wood, who co-chaired WMU’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC), says that as a team-oriented leader and strategic thinker, Kavalhuna brings both clarity and competitiveness to the work of advocating for WMU and advancing public higher education.

WMU has experienced enrollment growth, record retention and an all-time high in research activity, but this also is undeniably a period with challenges.

For such a period, he is the ideal leader for this institution, Wood says. “President-elect Kavalhuna has the heart of a public servant and the drive of a competitor. For him, winning means empowering students and making life better for the residents of our state. We’ll build on the undeniable momentum WMU has enjoyed and unlock our full potential.”

“Transformative presidencies emerge from attracting the right leader at the right time,” says Trustee James Liggins Jr., who co-chaired PSAC. “We have a president-elect whose experiences transcend convention and whose vision and collaboration with this community will bring continued transformation.”

A strong advocate for students and higher education, Kavalhuna has long been recognized as a connector across sectors, drawing on deep experience in law, aviation and education to engage with partners at the local, state and federal levels.

His background and expertise have made him a sought-after voice in public service, with appointments by governors of both parties—Govs. Granholm, Snyder and Whitmer—to serve on key statewide boards focused on education, workforce development, rehabilitation services and aviation. This includes currently serving as a Michigan Workforce Development board member for the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and in his fourth term on the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, a statewide board for all aviation infrastructure spending and rulemaking.

Kavalhuna’s service extends nationally to include his role as a member of the Joyce Foundation Board of Directors. Based in Chicago, the foundation is a nonpartisan philanthropic organization that as part of its mission focuses on the power of higher education to promote social mobility.

This breadth of service underscores his belief in the transformative power of higher education and the vital role institutions play in shaping society—values that will guide his leadership in the years ahead.

“Our mission is clear: to provide value to our students and to the communities we serve,” Kavalhuna says. “We don’t provide that value once; we provide it every single day. And in this moment of change and challenge, we have the opportunity to meet this era with relevance, boldness and purpose.

“We’ve set our North Star: holistic, Experience-Driven Learning and to become a top-tier institution in our state. We’re well on our way, and my promise to Bronco Nation is that we will continue our progress.”

Kavalhuna earned his bachelor's degree in aviation science from WMU and juris doctorate from Cooley Law School. He and his wife, Courtney, have two children.

When Kavalhuna officially takes office on July 1, 2025, he will begin a five-year contract that calls for an annual salary of $525,000.

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