NIU has chosen a replacement to fill the shoes of Provost Kendall Baker.

Baker accepted the presidency at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks and J. Carroll Moody, former University Council executive secretary and president of the Faculty Senate, has been named acting provost and academic vice president.

“I guess the biggest challenge is to try to maintain the quality of education in face of budget difficulties,” Moody said.

Moody said two of his top priorities are to find replacements for recently-retired Associate Provost Lou Jean Moyer, as well as Director of University Libraries Peggy Sullivan, who will resign in July.

In addition, NIU President John La Tourette said Moody will be responsible for carrying out the work of the Academic Resources Advisory Committee, which has completed a study of how funds might be reallocated through the university.

La Tourette said his belief in Moody’s abilities was reinforced after many faculty members recommended Moody to take over Baker’s position.

“I had a great deal of confidence in him which was shared by a large number of people,” La Tourette said. “It’s good to have someone who knows the university both internally and externally.”

Moody said he is arriving in his new position at a time when finances are tight and classes are limited.

“It’s a very challenging period because when you have a great number of budget difficulties, you have to try to make every dollar count to make sure students get what (classes) they deserve,” Moody said.

Moody is a U.S. labor historian and was the first president of the Faculty Senate, which was created two years ago. In addition, he also headed the University Council as executive secretary for the last three years.

Moody said he will stay on as acting provost until a suitable replacement is found for Baker.