The Northern Michigan University Board of Trustees today agreed to retain the services of Parker Executive Search to identify prospective candidates for Northern's next president. The board also approved an amended employment agreement with Interim President Kerri Schuiling.
Parker Executive Search is based in Atlanta, Ga., and has more than 30 years of experience in the field. According to its website, the firm has conducted more than 500 successful higher education searches for administrative positions. Its international client base includes leading colleges and universities, academic health science centers, intercollegiate athletics programs and sports businesses, Fortune 500 corporations and hospitals/health systems.
“With its proven track record in higher education, we are confident that Parker will offer highly qualified guidance as we launch the important search for Northern's next president,” said NMU Board Chair Tami Seavoy. “This is the first pivotal step in the process. A presidential search advisory committee composed of a diverse set of university stakeholders will be assembled in the near future. Related activities will accelerate early next semester in the hope of having a new president in place by July 1.”
Schuiling was appointed interim president of NMU Oct. 1, transitioning from her previous role of provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. To reflect her revised duties, the board amended her employment agreement.
Schuiling's annualized base salary as interim will be $402,518. When a permanent president takes office, her base salary and benefits will revert to the levels paid when she served as provost. Schuiling will be available to consult with the new president through Dec. 31, 2022. She is scheduled to begin a one-year sabbatical on Jan. 1, 2023.