CMU natural history museum gets reprieve

Observer Staff

2/28/2006 12:00:00 AM

The Central Michigan University Museum of Cultural and Natural History will remain open thanks to a cooperative plan developed by Provost Tom Storch and the deans of three colleges.

"It has always been our desire to find a way to keep the museum open and continue to offer the academic minor in museum studies," said Storch. "Now, with the cooperation of the three deans and faculty members in three colleges, we have found the resources to make this happen."

Storch says the plan involves the colleges of Communication and Fine Arts, Science and Technology and Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

This initiative will contribute to the university's goal to increase faculty while also addressing the needs of its students majoring in museum studies, as well as the museum itself.

"To strengthen the university's academic programs and keep the museum open, two new full-time faculty positions will be created," said Storch. "A national search will begin for faculty members in biology and history who will teach half-time in their respective departments and spend the other half managing the museum and the museum studies minor."

The plan also involves transferring administrative responsibility for the Native American Art Exhibit from the Museum of Cultural and Natural History to the College of Communication and Fine Arts. Long-range plans call for the creation of a museum and art gallery at a more central location on the CMU campus.

"Our overriding goal in reviewing the future of the museum was not just maintaining the status quo, but finding ways to enhance what the museum can offer," said Storch. "This plan will allow us to make the museum collections more accessible and strengthen the museum studies minor."

Currently 77 CMU students are enrolled in the museum studies minor.

More than 1,000 CMU students visited or used the museum for research and classroom projects last semester.

The museum also is a popular field trip destination for schools in the area.