NMU Board Approves New President, AFSCME Contracts

The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees approved a contract for newly appointed President Chris Olsen and a negotiated agreement with employees in the AFSCME union at a special session held virtually this afternoon.

Olsen's contract term begins Jan. 5, 2026 and ends June 30, 2031. He will earn an annual base salary of $475,000, deferred compensation of $50,000 per year, potential performance bonuses for achieving annual targeted goals, and a vehicle. Because the university previously sold the former president's residence on campus, Olsen will also receive a taxable housing stipend of $50,000 per year.

"I want to thank the team who put together this presidential compensation and benefits package, which keeps Northern competitive with what other Michigan institutions provide," said Board Chair Steve Young. "We are very excited to begin working with Dr. Olsen in January, and we appreciate Gavin Leach's leadership during the transition. He hit the ground running as interim president and is doing a heck of a job."

The university's AFSCME union represents 119 food services staff and maintenance employees. Members ratified a three-year contract in late October. The first year of the agreement includes a combined across-the-board and market adjustment of $1.25/hour, or no less than a total of 6%. Wages will increase 3% in each of the remaining two years. The contract will be effective through Sept. 30, 2028.