Western Michigan University Welcomes New President Russ Kavalhuna
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Russ Kavalhuna is set to become the tenth president of Western Michigan University (WMU) on July 1, succeeding current President Edward Montgomery, who is retiring. Kavalhuna, a WMU alumnus, has most recently served as the Executive Director of Flight Operations at the university’s College of Aviation.
Expressing his excitement during an interview with News Channel 3, Kavalhuna reflected on the significance of this new role for him and his family. "This is kind of like a pinch me moment," he stated, emphasizing his deep connection to the institution.
Kavalhuna was appointed by WMU’s Board of Trustees in April, and he is eager to leverage his experiences as a pilot, lawyer, and board member to foster effective teamwork at the university. "Great leaders build great teams," he noted, highlighting his commitment to collaborative leadership.
As he prepares for his presidency, Kavalhuna revealed his focus on enhancing the campus experience by actively engaging with students and staff. "I want to get an understanding of what my teammates believe are the challenges and opportunities," he explained, signaling his intent to prioritize community feedback and address their needs.
Kavalhuna aims to ensure that WMU remains an appealing choice for students and a valuable asset for the local community. He reassured students from various backgrounds: "If you’re a student who’s either grown up here in southwest Michigan or all over the United States… Western is a home for you."
As Kavalhuna gets ready to take the helm, the university community looks forward to a new chapter beginning with the fall semester on August 27.
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