News Editor Jackie Stark sat down with new provost Dr. Susan Koch to discuss views on Northern as a university as well as the Marquette area.

NW: What made you choose to come to Northern?

Well, I interviewed at Northern last winter semester at the end of January, the beginning of February.

One of the reasons was that Northern has very strong leadership, at all levels of the university from the President’s office, the deans, department heads and faculty even to student leadership.

Northern has momentum. This is a school that is going places. It’s stretching itself. That is a very attractive thing.

Northern also has an array of academic programming. Northern has a vibrant academic environment.

Also, there is a very strong, very positive student life. The students are very involved on the campus. Not to mention that Northern has a great location.

NW: Speaking of the location, how are you liking the Marquette area?

We (Koch and her husband) like everything about it. I have four grown children who came to visit, and we did all the things that visitors do. We had a wonderful time.

NW: How about the infamous snowfalls?

Or famous, depending on how you look at it. I mean, if you like snow – and we like skiing – then this is a good area. My husband and I are both outdoors people. We’ll see if I’m still singing the same song, I don’t know, in April.

NW: What changes do you hope to bring to campus?

Northern has positioned itself strategically in Michigan already. I’d like to be involved in the new directions in terms of academics, and in enhancing graduate education, while still having them fit Northern’s mission.

I’m looking forward to helping tell Northern’s story a little more often, and more broadly. I’d like to help Northern gain partners, to enhance its resource base.

Also, to help reinforce grant productivity to help bring in more resources.

I’m looking forward to helping develop the internationalization initiative across campus.

NW: How does Northern compare to other schools you have worked in?

Northern compares with other public, comprehensive universities throughout the country. It is successful at sharing it’s story at a regional level. In the U.P., it is very effective. It also brings a mix of students across the country, which is amazing. Most institutions aren’t able to achieve this.