Campus News / Events

Peter T. Mitchell was formally granted emeritus status during a May 11 meeting of the Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees. Mitchell started as Lake State’s president on July 1, 2017, shortly after the passing of President Tom Pleger.

Upon completion of his term on June 30, Mitchell will gain the title President Emeritus in recognition and gratitude for his service to Lake Superior State University.

Under Mitchell’s leadership, the University has seen admissions applications double and retention rates achieve historic highs, secured funding for the Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE), and created a culture of collaboration and transparency.

“It has really been the most rewarding year of my life,” stated Mitchell. “We had five ambitious goals and we met all of them. That’s because we, collectively, took risks, believed in one another, and had fun; we faced challenges, but ultimately we are in a very good place.”

Those goals included increasing enrollment, funding the CFRE, hiring a president, formulating a strategic direction, and developing a financial model that secured the viability of LSSU. In order to accomplish these aggressive goals, Mitchell established an atmosphere of stability, confidence, and trust on campus.

Mitchell has been a driving force for LSSU within the state government, which has helped to address LSSU’s needs and continued to raise the profile of LSSU among Michigan’s public universities. He also helped to develop new partnerships with the local community, tribal governments, other educational institutions, and industries.

The newly-formed strategic direction aligns with the mission and vision of LSSU and is one that incoming LSSU President Rodney Hanley – to start June 1 – is committed to continuing. In addition to leading the search for a president, Mitchell hired a new provost and vice president for enrollment management, marketing, and information technology.