Kerri Schuiling is the new interim president at Northern Michigan University, effective immediately. The NMU alumna previously served as the university's provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Her appointment was unanimously approved by the NMU Board of Trustees at its Oct. 1 business meeting.
“We are confident that Dr. Schuiling will demonstrate the high level of professionalism, vision and sound leadership required to keep the university moving forward through this important transition process,” said NMU Board of Trustees Chair Tami Seavoy.
Schuiling was appointed provost and vice president in 2014. In that capacity, she was lead developer of the Forensic Research Outdoor Station (FROST), 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.
On a related note, trustees voted to authorize the board chair and vice chair to issue a request for proposals related to contracting with a presidential search firm, and to make a recommendation to the full board at a future date.
In other business at today's meeting, the board:
-Agreed to four new academic programs: a plant-based wellness certificate; a cannabis operations certificate; a bachelor of fine arts in acting; and a master of science in administration and outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism. All go into effect fall 2022.
-Approved the newly ratified contract for the Administrative Professionals union (UAW 2178), which nearly 67% of voting members supported. It includes increases of 2% to base salary in the first year, a 2% one-time payment in year two, and a 2% to base in years three through five. The agreement also includes a revenue-sharing program tied to specific growth in student enrollment. The union represents 215 employees and the contract remains in effect through Sept. 30, 2026.
-Approved the facilities five-year master plan and capital outlay request, which universities are required to submit annually to the Michigan Department of Management and Budget. The priority project identified by NMU on its capital outlay request is a new Business Innovation Center.
-Authorized the purchase of two Marquette properties—1700 Tracy Avenue and 908 Center Street—at a cost of $327,000 plus related miscellaneous expenses.
-Agreed that Broadcast and Audio-Visual Services operations be reorganized under the management and supervision of the vice president for the Finance and Administration division; that the Office of Graduate Education and Grants and Contracts be renamed College of Graduate Studies and Research; that that Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment be renamed Institutional Effectiveness.
-Agreed to grant emeritus status to the following: Alan McEvoy, professor of Sociology; John Rebers, professor of Biology; Jaspal Singh, professor of English; Linda Hares, administrative assistant, Academic Affairs; and Eric Smith, director-Broadcast and Audio-Visual Services.
-Approved the following meeting schedule for calendar year 2022: Feb. 17-18; April 28-29; June/July TBD; Sept. 23-24; and Dec. 15-16.
