Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE -- Northern Michigan University announced on Friday that Paul Lang will remain as NMU's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Lang was originally appointed Interim Provost and Vice President in June of 2011.  He replaced Susan Koch, who left NMU to become Chancellor at the University of Illinois-Springfield.

"After much discussion and deliberation, I feel Dr. Paul Lang is the best fit for our administrative and academic team as we move the university forward on critical issues," said NMU Interim President David Hayes.  "The decision on a search for a new provost should be made by Northern's next president and our distinguished faculty, not by me."

Lang came to NMU in 1997 as a professor of criminal justice and head of the department. He was also appointed Associate Dean of the College of Professional Studies in 2002.

"Being interim provost and vice president for the past year has been a challenging but rewarding experience, and I've learned a lot," said Lang.  "The university has some large initiatives in the works, from the construction of a new academic building to expanding our partnership with Marquette General Health System through the Duke LifePoint agreement to a new strategic retention plan, and I'm excited to be part of the leadership team to bring these efforts to fruition."