The Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) board has launched a process to replace Trustee Chris Bott after he resigned from his position this week.

Bott announced Monday he was stepping down effective immediately, citing personal reasons. “Serving on the board has been a privilege, and I will miss it," he wrote in his resignation letter. "The opportunity to give back to the college that helped me and many in my family take their first steps to higher education has been rewarding.”

Bott was appointed in May 2015 to fill a board vacancy, elected to a six-year term in 2016, and re-elected in 2022. During his tenure he served as chair for three years, from 2019 to 2022. “NMC is better because of Trustee Bott's decade of service,” said Board Chair Laura Oblinger. “His tenure as board chair spanned both a college presidential transition and the pandemic. His capable leadership and passionate dedication as an alumnus helped NMC move forward. We thank him and wish him all the best.”

Michigan law gives the college 30 days to fill the position. Registered voters of Grand Traverse County are eligible to apply for the vacancy, with online applications encouraged. Commitments for the non-compensated trustee position include but are not limited to the following:

> Regular board meeting, typically the fourth Monday of the month at 5:30pm
> Board study sessions and committee meetings scheduled as required
> Annual Board retreat—sometimes overnight
> Participation in other college functions including commencement, receptions, ceremonies, events
> Travel periodically for purposes of professional development and representing the college at various state and national association meetings. Trustee travel is paid by NMC.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest and materials explaining their qualifications for the position. Applications must be received by 5pm on June 19. In addition to online submissions, applications can be emailed to lmoritz@nmc.edu or sent or delivered to:

Trustee Search
Office of the President
Northwestern Michigan College
1701 East Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686

Application materials are subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Interviews will be conducted in public meetings according to the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Trustees will interview candidates and vote to fill the vacancy at their next regular meeting on June 23 at 5:30pm in the Timothy J. Nelson Innovation Center. The selected candidate will serve until the next NMC board of trustees election in November 2026. Voters will then choose a candidate to serve the remainder of Bott's term through the end of 2028.