Kim Schatzel had already served as Eastern Michigan University's provost for several years, when she stepped in as interim president last summer.
Now, she's getting ready to leave for a new job as president of Towson University in Maryland.
Schatzel, who was raised on the east coast, said Towson is similar to EMU in size, curriculum and history.
However, there's one key difference.
"[Towson] is about ten hours closer to my kids. Although I have lots of friends and deep roots [in Michigan], going back to my roots on the east coast and being near my kids is a pretty big draw," Schatzel said.
EMU has been searching for a new president since Susan Martin stepped down last summer. The college intends to appoint someone this spring.
Schatzel will continue to fill the role until she begins her new position at the end of January.
"I feel really confident that the board of regents will have an outstanding list of candidates [for president], and that they'll make a really wise decision," Schatzel said.
