President Russ Kavalhuna's biography
Russ Kavalhuna is the 10th president of Western Michigan University, a high-research, student-centered institution committed to its enduring credo, “So that all may learn.” He assumed the presidency of the nearly 18,000-student institution on July 1, 2025, bringing with him a distinguished record of public service, higher education leadership and a results-driven approach to student success.
Reflecting deep commitments to advocacy, accountability and collaboration, President Kavalhuna’s career spans aviation, law and education. A former commercial airline captain, collegiate aviation administrator and federal prosecutor, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to mission-driven leadership. In June 2025, he concluded a seven-year tenure as president of Henry Ford College, where he cultivated public and private partnerships, expanded college access and strengthened mentorship opportunities for students—efforts that underpin his educational leadership record.
Before leading Henry Ford College, WMU President Kavalhuna served as executive director of flight operations at the Western Michigan University College of Aviation, ranked among the top six aviation programs in the world according to Study International.
President Kavalhuna's leadership vision is rooted in access, purpose and impact—values reflected in how Western empowers students to pursue a holistic, experience-driven education that prepares them for meaningful careers and fulfilled lives. WMU students gain critical intellectual skills in the classroom and develop real-world competencies through internships, research and professional partnerships across the state and nation. In 2025, TIME named WMU to its Best College for Future Leaders list, ranking the institution among the top 125 in the nation.
President Kavalhuna takes the reins at Western in a pivotal period—for the University, for the higher education sector, and for the communities colleges and universities serve. Amid ongoing debates about the value of higher education, he is a clear and passionate advocate for its transformative power. As co-chair of the Growing Michigan Together Council’s Higher Education Workgroup, appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, President Kavalhuna helped shape state strategies to expand educational attainment and retain Michigan talent.
Broadly recognized for his thought leadership, he is frequently sought out at both the state and national levels to contribute to policy efforts in higher education and workforce development. In addition to co-chairing Growing Michigan Together Council Workgroup, he has served governors of both major parties on boards focused on education, labor and aviation. He currently serves on the Michigan Workforce Development Board and the Michigan Aeronautics Commission.
President Kavalhuna’s principled leadership in aviation, law and academia additionally earned him a selection in 2016 by U.S. Presidents William J. Clinton and George W. Bush into the second class of their Presidential Leadership Scholars program—a program that continues to this day—enhancing his personal and professional leadership through interactions with former presidents, key administration officials, leading academics, and business and civic leaders.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science from WMU and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School.
