Welcome to Davenport University 

The president of Davenport University is retiring at the end of this academic year, after 17 successful years of service. The university invites visionary, mission-driven leaders to explore the opportunity to serve as its next president. Guided by a clear mission to prepare and transform students for exceptional academic and professional success, Davenport is distinguished by its deep understanding of market needs and its commitment to exceeding employer expectations. Our university community lives its STAIR values: quality service, trustworthiness, accountability, innovation, respect and inclusion. They shape a culture where students thrive, employees excel and diverse perspectives are celebrated. As Davenport continues to transform communities and change lives through lifelong learning, we seek a president who is inspired by our vision, energized by innovation, and eager to contribute and lead an institution devoted to empowering every person to thrive. 

Leadership profile

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Presidential Search Committee

The 12-member Davenport University Board of Trustees serves as the institution’s governing body. The Board will act as the Presidential Search Committee and will make the final decision regarding Davenport University’s next president.  

  • Paula Cunningham, Board Chair
  • Michelle VanDyk, Board Vice Chair
  • Anthony Chang, Ph.D.
  • Rami Fawaz
  • Doyle Haynes
  • Keith A. Klingenberg
  • Julie Leonard
  • Rachel Mraz
  • Kent Riddle
  • Mark Stiers

Search Advisory Committee

The 13-member Search Advisory Committee includes representatives from the Board of Trustees, faculty and staff, students and alumni of the university. 

  • Paula Cunningham, Board Chair
  • Michelle VanDyk, Board Vice Chair
  • Kent Riddle, Trustee
  • Anthony Chang, Trustee  
  • Steve Wessell, Foundation board member
  • Frank Merlotti, Past Chair
  • Grant Lee, Faculty member
  • Karen Clark, Faculty member
  • Amy Stahley, Dean of the College of Health Professions
  • Keith Klingenberg, Alumni and current trustee, past foundation board, donor
  • Susan Crkovski, Executive Director, Warren Campus
  • Darrin Oliver, Director of the Wellness Center
  • Nicole Carvalho, Current student
100+ degree and certificate programsAreas of Student18:1 student-to-faculty ratio

Tentative timeline

Date (s)
Description
November - DecemberWittKieffer conducts listening sessions
January - FebruaryRecruiting via WittKieffer
March - April Interviews
MayCandidate selected
Summer 2026Selected individual begins presidency

About Davenport University 

Lansing campus aerial shot

Founded in 1866, Davenport is a private, nonprofit university serving about 5,000 students at campuses across Michigan and online. With tuition among the lowest of all private universities in the state, Davenport provides high academic quality, small class sizes, conveniently located campuses, faculty with real-world experience and more than 100 degree and certificate career-focused programs.

Search firm 

WittKieffer is a leader in higher education searches and advisory services, annually conducting more than 500 leadership engagements in this space. WittKieffer has conducted more than 140 president/chancellor searches for colleges and universities throughout the United States in the last five years. This results in the firm’s deep understanding of the higher education industry and a broad network of higher education leaders.  

Contacts