President Emeritus Preston N. Tanis Scholarship

President Emeritus Preston N. Tanis was the founding Director (1951-67) and first President (1967-70) of Northwestern Michigan College. He provided the vision and leadership for the college in its early years, contributing enthusiasm, wisdom, and foresight to the establishment of NMC as the community’s college. Tanis helped create a strong foundation for NMC upon which the college has built its reputation for high-quality instruction and services, earning state and national acclaim for many cutting-edge initiatives.

Tanis was honored as an NMC Fellow, the highest honor the college can bestow in 1972. In 1973, he wrote “The First Twenty Years,” a history of NMC, which has proven to be an invaluable record of the pioneering efforts that created this college. President Emeritus Preston N. Tanis continued to be a strong supporter of NMC’s efforts throughout his life and is remembered by everyone who knew him with deep affection and respect.

The President Emeritus Preston N. Tanis Scholarship was established in 2015 by his son Robert to honor his father’s many accomplishments.