Good afternoon, NMC community –
I’m writing to share the May 11th passing of former NMC President Tim Quinn, a leader whose influence continues to shape our college and community. His thoughtful leadership, deep commitment to student opportunity, and belief in collaborative governance left an enduring mark on NMC.
President Quinn led the college from 1989-1996, a tenure which would prove pivotal for NMC. During his presidency the college established the shared governance structure we continue to use today. It was also under Quinn that NMC successfully passed a Grand Traverse County property tax millage in perpetuity. This stable source of funding is an invaluable resource as the college continues to thrive, thirty years after his presidency.
According to his partner, Shelley Keith, Quinn’s proudest achievements at NMC were the formation of the University Center and the Commitment Scholarship for first-generation college students, back-to-back accomplishments in 1995 and 1996. Since 1996, more than $2.2 million has been awarded to more than 600 Commitment students. Also under his leadership, the Dennos Museum Center opened in 1991. These cultural and community assets continue to benefit all of northern Michigan.
President Quinn came to NMC in 1988 as vice president of instructional services. In addition to his NMC service, he was active in the community, serving on the Munson Healthcare board and as president of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce board.Following his retirement from NMC, Quinn founded the Michigan Leadership Institute, which developed and led the SUPES Academy, an eight-day superintendent preparation program which trained over 435 education leaders in Michigan between 1998-2008.
Quinn earned a Ph.D. from The University of Michigan and was recognized with honorary doctoral degrees from Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Grand Valley State Universities for his statewide leadership in the field of education. Most recently, he accepted the volunteer role of Director of Donor Engagement for Northwest Ed’s foundation, just established in 2024. The Foundation partnered with NMC and other colleges to provide scholarships for Northwest Ed’s career-tech and special education students.
We are grateful for President Quinn’s many contributions and the vision he brought to NMC. His legacy endures through the programs he launched, the lives he touched, and the community he helped strengthen.
On behalf of the college, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family and all who knew and worked alongside him. An informal gathering and celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, June 14, from 1-3 pm, at the Hagerty Center. You can read his full obituary here.
Nick
—
Nick Nissley, Ed.D. | President | Northwestern Michigan College | 231.995.1010
