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Gilmour Is Interim WSU President

Wayne State University's Board of Governors Tuesday named former Ford Motor Company executive Allan Gilmour its interim president.

Gilmour begins his new job Aug. 30 and will continue until the university finds a permanent replacement for Dr. Jay Noren, who resigned Aug. 6.

A national search is planned.

Gilmour, a Harvard University and University of Michigan graduate, retired in 1995 as Ford's vice chairman and chief financial officer. He rejoined the automaker from 2002-05 in various leadership roles.

He was co-chair of a $1 billion fund-raising campaign at the University of Michigan that resulted in total gifts to the university of $1.4 billion, and served as honorary co-chair on a second campaign that exceeded its $2.5 billion goal by $700 million.

"Higher education is a great calling," said Gilmour in a statement. "It provides unparalleled opportunities for so many to fulfill their greatest potential for personal and career success. I am excited about this opportunity to lead a top research university with such a talented faculty, a long history of academic excellence and a profound commitment to community engagement, and I appreciate the Board's confidence in me."

"We believe Mr. Gilmour's enthusiasm and experience are a great fit for Wayne State, and will help the university maintain the positive momentum it has enjoyed over the past several years," said WSU Board Chairman Richard Bernstein. "Despite a career that reached lofty leadership levels and was marked by extraordinary achievements, Mr. Gilmour is approachable and personable, and known for being a consensus builder who is open to consultation and counsel. He shares our vision for the future and we are excited to have him join the Wayne State family."

Gilmour serves on DTE Energy Co.'s board and formerly served on the boards of Dow Chemical Co., Whirlpool Corp. and other corporations. He's also chairman of Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and Henry Ford Health System Foundation.

© MMX WWJ Radio, All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to his report.

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