After Central Michigan University College of Medicine (CMED) Dean George Kikano announced his resignation on March 6, his separation agreement now revealed that Kikano’s last day in this role will be May 15, 2025.

The separation agreement, which Central Michigan Life obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, shows that CMU will pay Kikano total of over $400,000, which breaks down to:

A lump payment equal to seven and a half months’-based salary, which is $312,500
A payment equal to seven and a half months of the university’s contributions towards his healthcare programs, which is equal to $10,033
Retirement contributions on the base of salary portion of seven and a half months, total $6,874
A lump sum of accrued or unused vacation time in the amount of $108,174

Additionally, the separation agreement asked CMU President Neil MacKinnon to recommend Kikano for Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus statuses. According to CM Life’s previous coverage, Kikano received both at the Board of Trustee’s meeting on April 24.

In an interview after the Board of Trustees meeting, MacKinnon explained that the average tenure of a college of medicine dean is actually closer to six years at other institutions, so Kikano's resignation was not entirely unexpected. Kikano began at CMU in 2015, according to the university's website.

In his letter of resignation, Kikano wrote that he did not believe the university was matching his adherence to values and principles, but did not specify what those values were.

"This decision stems from my steadfast commitment to core values and principles, which I believe are essential for the continued success and integrity of the College of Medicine -- values and principles I believe have not been exemplified at the institution lately," he wrote.

CM Life contacted Kikano through his office, but he declined to comment on his resignation further.

In his letter to the CMED staff, Kikano wrote that he is proud of the college’s accomplishments during the 10 years when he served as the dean.

“For the short term, my plans are to travel, spend time with family and friends as well as care for patients in Cleveland,” Kikano wrote in the letter. “I have always considered myself a builder, and I am looking forward to my next professional challenge.”

According to a previous CM Life story, because of the leadership transition, CMU will pause the consideration of external partners for the CMU campus health clinics.

Tina Thompson to serve as an interim dean

On May 16, Tina Thompson, senior associated dean for academic affairs at CMED, will take the role of the interim dean for the college. Thompson is a neuroscientist by training and has experience in research science and national accreditation practices.

Thompson said she is looking forward to the opportunity as the interim dean, and is dedicated to CMED’s success.

“I am very committed to CMU,” Thompson said. “I'm very committed to our students. Our students are my primary reason for being in medical education. I am passionate about what we do and how we do it, and how we can do it better.”

At the same time, Thompson said she enjoyed working with Kikano, because he was a supportive dean and a role model for her.

“I’m going to miss him,” she said. “But we (CMED) will be fine. Transitions in medical schools are very common.”

Thompson's future goals, she said, are to successfully pass an accreditation visit, roll out new curriculum next academic year and continue to provide high-quality clinical education for students.

As for the CMED’s move to Saginaw, Thompson said the project will slow down to make sure it is done right.

“My role will be to help ensure that it is as comprehensive ... as possible, and that we include stakeholders across the college, as well as the university, in making the decisions that are best for the College of Medicine, our students and the people of Michigan,” she said.

Another responsibility Thompson is taking on is to maintain the CMED’s mission of research and medical care for rural underserved areas in Michigan and beyond.

“I am very dedicated to the mission of CMU College of Medicine,” Thompson said. “I think it's a very important mission. It's one of the reasons I came to CMU.”

CM Life Editor-in-Chief Lauren Rice and Reporter Blace Carpenter contributed to this report.