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Craig Willis papers

 Collection
Identifier: 02.CW

Abstract

The Craig Willis papers date from 2004-2005 during Willis' interim year as president of Eastern Michigan University. The collection includes clippings, invitations, news releases and other office communiqués, notes from meetings and speaking engagements and official documents from the Michigan Senate Appropriations hearings in 2004 and 2005. Materials are arranged alphabetically, with the exception of the larger series of Meeting and Speaking Engagements that have been arranged chronologically. Given his role at Eastern, as interim administrator without previous ties to the university community, the collection at least provides documentation into the types of events Willis was supporting and attending during his brief time in office. It is comprehensive but not complete.

Dates

  • Creation: 2004 - 2006

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Researchers are asked to request materials 24 hours prior to visiting the the University Archives.

Biographical Note

Craig D. Willis grew up in Cambridge, Ohio and attended Ohio Wesleyan University completed graduate degrees, including a Ph.D., at The Ohio State University. After teaching for one year in the Columbus Public Schools, Willis returned to Ohio Wesleyan holding jobs in the office of admissions, registrar, and international studies until 1969 when we took a position in the Dayton Public Schools. He remained with the Dayton Public Schools for only one year before leaving to fill the position of Director of Admissions at Wright State.

Willis served for 22 years as the President of Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania. He accepted a one-year interim appointment to serve as President at Eastern Michigan University shortly after retiring from Lock Haven. He arrived on campus in 2004 and served the University until July 2005.

Willis was asked to address advancing the University’s position in Lansing, defining better internal controls, resolving relationship issues, ensuring high quality educational experiences for all students and successfully completing all collective bargaining agreements. He was well liked on campus and quickly won over faculty, students and staff, who said his tenure helped heal a broken, distrustful campus and moved EMU out of the controversial University House spotlight. John A. Fallon assumed the Presidency from Willis in the Fall of 2005.

Extent

0.8 Linear Feet (2 archive boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Related Materials

Willis' portrait is held in the Principal and Presidential portrait and photograph collection

[02.PP]: https://aspace.emich.edu/repositories/2/resources/603

Title
Craig Willis papers
Status
Completed
Author
Alexis Braun Marks, CA
Date
2015 February 3
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Eastern Michigan University Archives Repository

Contact:
Bruce T. Halle Library, Room 310
955 West Circle Drive
Ypsilanti Michigan 48197
734-487-2673