MARSHALL — Scott Olson, chancellor of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities, on Tuesday named Deb Kerkaert, Southwest Minnesota State University vice president for Finance and Administration, to serve as acting president of SMSU from May 16 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,” Olson said in a news release.

President Kumara Jayasuriya’s last day at SMSU is May 15. He announced his retirement last month. He has been president of SMSU since 2019.

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.