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KALAMAZOO, Mich.— ɫɫ�� Michigan University President Edward Montgomery, who for the past seven years has steadily led ɫɫ�� to remarkable milestones—including its first enrollment increase in a decade in the second most competitive market in the nation, record student retention and six-year graduation rates, an all-time high in research productivity and the largest gift ever made to a public university in U.S. history—has announced that he will retire next summer.    

His tenure ends June 30, 2025, and the University will begin a nationwide search this fall for his successor. 

“President Montgomery has been exactly the leader we have needed during a pivotal period in our history. ɫɫ�� owes him a deep debt of gratitude for his insightful, courageous and principled leadership as he skillfully guided the institution,” says Shelly Edgerton, chair of the ɫɫ�� Board of Trustees.  

“He has strengthened our foundation in the areas most vital to a thriving university—student success, enrollment, research, student-centered facilities, athletics performance, and private and public support,” Edgerton says.   

Montgomery, a nationally recognized labor economist, joined ɫɫ�� as its ninth president in 2017. Under his guidance, the University has advanced many student-centered initiatives aimed at amplifying student access, well-being and career readiness, including an array of programs and services made possible by the nationally historic $550 million Empowering Futures Gift.  

Student-centric efforts to elevate ɫɫ�� to benefit current and future Broncos have also enhanced the campus environment, including the new ɫɫ�� Student Center, new Aviation Education Facility, vastly renovated Dunbar Hall and the first new residence hall to be built on campus in eleven years, expected to be completed in 2026. 

“Equally noteworthy is that his long list of accomplishments was achieved despite the enormous challenges posed by the pandemic and one of the most tumultuous periods in higher education,” Edgerton says. 

"The board and I are grateful for the early notice of his retirement, allowing us time to identify the next leader and ensure a smooth transition. This will enable us to build on our momentum and take ɫɫ�� to even greater heights. But we will miss Dr. Montgomery.”  

Montgomery, 69, is in the final year of his employment contract, which runs through June 30, 2025. Edgerton says that details about the presidential search process expected to launch this fall will come in the next several weeks.   

Amid a 40-year career in higher education teaching and leadership and his major roles serving in the administrations of two U.S. presidents, Montgomery says that leading ɫɫ�� has been an immense honor. But now is the time to pass the baton to the next leader who will build on the University community’s considerable progress.  

"ɫɫ�� stands out among universities in demonstrating the transformative power of higher education. Together, we’ve worked to ensure that every student has the tools, the support and the experience-driven learning they need to thrive," Montgomery says.   

"I hear it again and again from our students and from countless alumni, including my own son: ɫɫ��’s holistic and personal approach to higher learning sets students up to succeed and changes the trajectory of their lives. This is a place that honors who our students are, where they have been and empowers them to get to anywhere they want to go.” 

In his message to the University community announcing his retirement, Montgomery noted that some of his favorite ɫɫ�� moments have been presiding over numerous commencement ceremonies over the years.  

“I have shaken tens of thousands of hands and said to each graduate, “Well done.” I consider them “my kids,” and I root for their success today and well into tomorrow.” 

Montgomery began his presidency on Aug. 1, 2017. His biography can be found here. A more comprehensive list of the University's accomplishments under the president's leadership can be found on the Office of the President's website.

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