Past Presidents
Past Presidents
North Central's past presidents have laid the groundwork for success since the college was established in 1958. We honor their service and accomplishments.
Select from the list below to view a past president's biography.
Al Shankland was named Chief Administrative Officer of the newly-formed North Central
Michigan College in 1959 and was later named its first president in 1967. Shankland
was involved in the study of the need and the planning for a college in the area while
he was working for the Petoskey Public Schools, serving as the recording secretary
during the committee phase of the study. After the college was established, he was
made the first dean. In 1967, he was named president, a position he held until his
death in the fall of 1988. An expert in school finance and construction, he gave
the school stability in budgeting during many trying times through its rapid growth
as new facilities were constantly needed and subsequently provided.
Shankland received his bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University and his master’s from the University of Michigan, with Advanced Study at the University of Cincinnati, University of Michigan, and Michigan State University.
Bob Graham was named president of ´ó·¢ÁùºÏ²Ê in May 1989. Graham
had been acting president since Shankland’s death and had been the college’s business
manager for the previous 21 years. During his tenure at North Central, he administered
two successful millage campaigns and four successful building projects, the last being
the $12 million Student and Community Resource Center. He also organized and development
the ´ó·¢ÁùºÏ²Ê Foundation with a full-time staff to become the
fourth arm of funding the College. Graham retired in 2001.
Graham received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Education from Central Michigan University and his master’s in Public Administration from Michigan Technological University and Central Michigan University.
Dr. Cameron Brunet-Koch was named North Central’s third president on July 1, 2001,
following Robert Graham’s retirement. She had been the dean of student services.
Prior to that, Dr. Brunet-Koch was dean of student personnel services at West Shore
Community College.
During her 17-year tenure as president, the Student and Community Resource Center and the Jack and Dorothy Harris Health Education and Science Center were built, and the Harris Gardens, featuring 26 sculptures from internationally-renowned artists, was dedicated. North Central opened new facilities in Cheboygan and Gaylord and launched the new Mobile Digital Fabrication Lab. The College was also recognized as an Achieving the Dream Leader College, a Military-Friendly and Veteran Friendly school.
Dr. Brunet-Koch is a graduate of Oakland University, where she majored in English and social science. She earned her master’s degree in higher education and administration at Michigan State University and her doctorate in guidance and counseling at The University of Michigan.
A rich history...
Read about North Central's history, including key moments in the past six decades.
Learn About North Central's History