MARQUETTE, MI— The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees has selected a new chair and vice chair.
Effective January 1, 2026, Missie Holmquist of Marquette will take over as chair and Brigitte LaPointe-Dunham of Baraga will be vice chair. They’re both NMU alumnae. Holmquist’s term runs through December 31, 2026. LaPointe-Dunham’s term will end on December 31, 2030.
At its Friday meeting, the board recognized outgoing chair Steve Young, who occupied the seat for four years. It also recognized the efforts of Gavin Leach, who provided leadership during a presidential transition.
The board gave Leach a $25,000 performance bonus, removed his “interim” designation and appointed him president for the remainder of his term, and gave him a new title of executive vice president for finance and treasurer of the NMU Board of Trustees for after his term expires.
