NMU President Fritz Erickson
Dr. Fritz J Erickson became Northern Michigan University's 15th president on July 1, 2014. A higher education administration veteran, his focus areas of expertise are in education, technology and psychology.
Fall Convocation
Welcome to the 2020-21 academic year. Typically prior to the start of each academic year, Convocation is held in person on NMU's campus. This year, Convocation was hosted virtually by President Fritz Erickson, Provost Kerri Schuiling, ASNMU President Emma Drever, and Academic Senate representative Norma Froelich.
Office of the President
The mission of the President is to serve as the chief executive officer of Northern Michigan University. As such, he is charged with the development of administrative policies, programs and procedures to guide the university.
» Office of the President Mission Statement
» President's Division
Event Requests
If you would like President Erickson to speak or attend one of your events, please fill out this form at least 30 days prior.
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Early in his career, Dr. Erickson was an elementary and middle school teacher. Each year, he invites students from the Young Authors Conference held on campus to his office to read their stories to him and his wife, Jan. They also host the annual Light Up the Holidays party for local children and families.
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NMU's Spring and Winter Commencement ceremonies are two of President Erickson's favorite events of the year. He personally congratulates every student crossing the stage. "Northern ranks as the friendliest campus in Michigan for a reason," he says, "And I believe the first and last weeks of the academic year are when we really demonstrate our character."
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The president takes every opportunity to be involved in campus and the community, even if it means getting a face, and shirt, full of whipped cream in the Pie Your Professor event. Riding a fat-tire bike during Snow Fest, making cones at the Community Ice Cream Social or serving hot chocolate during the U.P. 200 sled dog race, Dr. Erickson can't help but be a down-to-earth president.
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NMU's president is famously accessible to students and employees. His interdisciplinary doctorate degree in educational psychology, technology and research methodology belies the fact that he is keenly interested in people and the different ways they think and learn.
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During his first photo shoot when he arrived on campus in summer 2014, Dr. Erickson's curiosity led him into an adjoining room where Art and Design professor John Hubbard was framing artwork, which led to an in-depth discussion on color and technique.
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Each fall, President Erickson rolls up his sleeves during move-in week to help students haul boxes into their residence hall and takes time to chat with families, answering the many questions they have about life at NMU.
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When he's not on campus, you can find President Erickson frequenting Marquette Mountain's ski slopes or one of the area golf courses. In fact, the day before his official investiture ceremony in 2015, he welcomed the NMU and Marquette community to join him at an NMU Ski Day.