North Central Michigan College (NCMC) honored four exceptional leaders this summer whose vision, service and commitment to student success have left a lasting mark on the institution.
Former North Central presidents Al Shankland, Robert Graham and Cameron Brunet-Koch were awarded the distinguished title of President Emeritus, while Christine Hammond, former chief academic officer, received a Founder’s Society Award.
Three former presidents receive inaugural President Emeritus honors
At its annual President’s Circle event in June, NCMC honored Shankland, Graham, and Brunet-Koch with the title of President Emeritus, a distinction reserved for former presidents whose leadership has had a profound and lasting impact on the college.
The NCMC Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution in May recognizing the three former presidents for their extraordinary service, vision and dedication.
“Each of these presidents was the right individual at the right time,” said NCMC President
David Roland Finley. “Though they served in different eras, each shared an unwavering
commitment to student success, community engagement and the mission of North Central
Michigan College.”
Pictured above: President David Roland Finley presents President Emeritus awards to
Julie Collie, former President Al Shankland's daughter, and former President Cameron
Brunet-Koch during the the 2026 President's Circle event; Finley presents the President
Emeritus award to former President Robert Graham during a luncheon.
Al Shankland
As NCMC’s founding president, Shankland guided the college from an idea into an institution.
His leadership established the foundation on which North Central continues to serve
students and communities across the region.
Robert Graham
Graham led the college through a period of important development and growth. During his tenure, he advanced facility improvements, helped lead successful millage campaigns, and played a key role in establishing the North Central Michigan College Foundation, which continues to provide critical support for students and the college.
Cameron Brunet-Koch
Brunet-Koch guided NCMC through a period of transformational growth, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening the college’s regional presence, and helping bring state and national recognition to the institution.
Hammond honored for legacy of innovation
NCMC also honored Hammond with a Founder’s Society Award in August during the college’s
all-campus meeting to begin the academic year.
The Founder’s Society Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate initiative, a commitment to learning, and a dedication to community service. The award reflects the spirit of North Central’s founders by honoring those who demonstrate foresight and vision in advancing the college and its students while inspiring others to lead by example.
Before becoming president of Mid Michigan College, Hammond oversaw North Central’s academic division, providing leadership in accreditation, curriculum development, corporate and community education, the college’s off-campus center, library services, instructional technology, and student success initiatives. She also helped develop NCMC’s CNC program and establish the college’s mobile Fab Lab, creating new opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing.
“Dr. Hammond’s time here was an important chapter in the college’s history, and her influence extends well beyond the years she spent on our campus,” Finley said. “We are grateful for the expertise, leadership, and dedication she brought to the college, and we are proud to recognize the continued impact of her work in higher education.”