Oakland University Board Chair announces plan for seeking a president in 2017

Oakland University Board Chair announces plan for seeking a president in 2017
George Hynd
George W. Hynd

Oakland University Board of Trustees Chairman Richard L. DeVore today announced the Oakland University Board of Trustees’ plan for seeking a new president for the University following George W. Hynd’s successful three-year term as president. 

“President George Hynd was exactly the transition leader we needed at the helm the last few years,” Chair Richard L. DeVore said. “As president, he has worked hard to bring stability to Oakland University following a period of fragmented leadership. George’s presidency brought a calm demeanor to Oakland and as a result the University has again begun to make significant strides as one of the top universities in the state.”

University achievements under Hynd include:

  • Forbes recently ranked Oakland University as the top university in the tri-county area – and fourth overall among Michigan’s top public universities – and among the top 10 among all Michigan colleges and universities, public and private.

  • Led Oakland University’s Pontiac Initiative – a unique commitment to the city of Pontiac and its students to cultivate economic development and higher education.

  • Announced a much-needed, new 750-bed residence facility on the south side of campus and the planned renovation of the Oakland University Student Center.

  • Led highly successful contract negotiations with Oakland University’s faculty that resulted in a five-year contract — one of the best contracts in the University’s history, both for the faculty and the administration.

“President Hynd was hired at a challenging time in the University’s history – a time which required a steady, patient hand at the rudder – an individual who could calm troubled waters after the sudden departure of his predecessor followed by a one-year interim president,” DeVore continued. “Under President Hynd’s leadership, Oakland University has turned a corner and is strongly positioned for the future with a great sense of purpose and optimism.”

DeVore concluded, “We are grateful for President Hynd’s leadership and his forward-thinking approach to setting the University on the right course for the future.”

As planned, President Hynd will continue to serve the University through the end of his term as the Board of Trustees begins a national search process for his successor. The Board of Trustees has determined that no internal candidates will be considered.