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New EMU president Smith talks athletics

Eastern Michigan University named Dr. James M. Smith its 23rd president in the school’s history Friday afternoon in a special Board of Regents meeting.

During the media press conference following the meeting, Smith addressed a multitude of questions including the athletic department and the reported 83 percent subsidy they receive from the general fund.

“That’s not a comfortable number for athletics, that’s not a comfortable number for the president and that’s not a comfortable number for the regents,” Smith said. “That being said, one doesn’t fix things like that in a day. It will take time.