MARQUETTE — Kerri Schuiling, who most recently served as provost and vice president of academic affairs at Northern Michigan University, was named interim NMU president at Friday’s NMU Board of Trustees meeting.

She succeeds Fritz Erickson, who was terminated by the board on Sept. 24. Board Vice Chair Steve Young mentioned the need for more leadership and forward thinking as causes for Erickson’s termination at that meeting.

The board unanimously approved Schuiling as interim president, effective immediately, until the board selects a new president. Board Chair Tami Seavoy and Young were authorized to negotiate an employment agreement with Schuiling to present to the board for review and approval, and authorize a request to make a recommendation to the board regarding a presidential search firm.

“I want to say that I’m personally deeply impressed that there was no need to look outside of Northern Michigan University to identify an interim president,” Trustee Donna L. Murray-Brown said.

Seavoy said the board has full responsibility for hiring the new president.

“We look forward to engaging others in helping to identify the greatest needs of this university so we can align the qualities of our next leader with the needs of the university and move forward in the right step for the right time,” Seavoy said.

Trustee Robert Mahaney said the action taken regarding Erickson was not made lightly.

“We understand that it has consequences on the university,” he said. “It led to us having to make a tough decision. Today, as I think about Northern — both as a trustee and as a member of this community and as a Yooper — Northern’s future, I think, has never been brighter.”

Mahaney said the biggest challenge is “ourselves.”

“Are we going to come together? Are we going to work together? Are we doing to seize these opportunities?” he asked. “It’s very easy to focus on the things that aren’t going maybe as well as we’d like. But at the same time, we’ve accomplished so much. My hope is that very shortly, we’re going to be announcing some exciting news about additional investments in this university in infrastructure, academic innovations, and facilities and programming, that’s going to launch this university to the next level.”

Mahaney also congratulated Schuiling and expressed his appreciation for her willingness to be interim president.

“She was scheduled to retire in January,” he said.

Schuiling was appointed provost and vice president in 2014. In that capacity, she was lead developer of the Forensic Research Outdoor Station, the NMU Center for Rural Health, and SISU: The Innovation Institute. She also supported the creation of medicinal plant chemistry baccalaureate program launched in 2017.

Earlier roles included dean of NMU’s College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies, dean of Oakland University’s School of Nursing and associate dean and director of NMU’s School of Nursing. Schuiling is a 1973 NMU graduate. She holds a master’s degree from Wayne State University and a doctorate from the University of Michigan. She is certified as both a women’s health nurse practitioner and nurse-midwife.

“I look forward to continuing the ongoing positive collaboration, working with my colleagues on the administration, faculty and staff in continuing to move the university forward to achieve its mission and goals,” Schuiling said in a statement.