President Les Wong reflects on the good and bad
MARQUETTE -- Northern Michigan University has had its share of highs and lows this month.
First, a low. February 2nd, NMU received a threat to its students, staff, and campus. The school responded well and kept everyone safe, but it was an eye opener for the university. And President Wong says some procedures need to change.
"One of the things that we learned from our experience February 2 and 3 is the unevenness of emergency response operation. For example, if the department head is gone, does everybody know who is the next person in command," says Wong.
Next, a February high. President Obama made a special stop in the U.P. to praise NMU for its WiMax capabilities. Not only was it exciting for Air Force One to touch down in the U.P., but the President's visit could easily draw more students to the university.
"Promotional value for us is in the $32-50 million range. Getting in the New York Times, the Post, and across television, CNN, it was just priceless exposure for us," Wong says.
Finally, a potential low. Governor Rick Snyder announced plans for major budget cuts that will, once again, effect public universities. Snyder's proposed 15 percent cut would take multi-millions from NMU.
"Six point seventy-seven million dollars ($6.77 million) is the cost of educating 521 students. It represents nearly 85-100 jobs," Wong explains.
Dr. Wong says he, along with the President's council, will determine how the university will cope with the proposed budget cuts. They hope to have a plan together this spring.
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