VP Deb Kerkaert Named Acting President Effective May 16

Published Monday, May 05, 2025

Deb Kerkaert

05/05/25

SMSU Vice President for Finance and Administration, Deb Kerkaert, was named Acting President an announcement from Chancellor Scott Olson at the Minnesota State System Office, on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Deb Kerkaert has been employed at SMSU since November 1990. She has served in a variety of roles within the business operations throughout her time at SMSU. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) both from SMSU. She lives in Lynd, Minn.

In the announcement, Chancellor Olson stated:

"I would like to provide the campus with an update on the presidential transition. We have received a great deal of interest in SMSU’s interim president role. My many thanks to those of you who have submitted nominations. As a reminder, the deadline for nomination and applications is May 12^th.

President Jayasuriya’s last day is May 15^th. To help assist the university during the transition until an interim president can be identified and begin, I have asked Deb Kerkaert, Vice President for Finance and Administration to serve as acting president from May 16^th until the interim president takes office. With 35 years of experience at SMSU, I can think of no one better to help guide the university through this transition. My many thanks to Deb for taking on this important role."