Eastern Michigan University, founded in 1849, is moving forward for today’s challenges. Hear how President Smith is charting a bold course continuing the University’s 174-year legacy.
Dr. James M. Smith is the 23rd president of Eastern Michigan University (EMU), beginning his duties in July 2016. Since then, President Smith revised the University’s Strategic Plan, created a position of Chief Diversity Officer and introduced the University’s Sustainability Commission. EMU is a public research university in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Originally founded as the Michigan State Normal School, it was the fourth normal school (teachers' college) established in the United States and the first American normal school founded outside New England.