The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees appointed Wilbur, who is the vice president of Governmental Relations and Public Affairs, on Thursday to take on the university's top position.

University President Michael Rao will be leaving June 30 after nine years at CMU to become president of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va.

"It's clear that we are not going to have a (permanent) president immediately," said Board Chairwoman Gail Torreano. "It's important we understand life doesn't stand still, today more than ever."

Under contract with the university, Wilbur's salary will increase to $230,000. She will use Rao's university-provided vehicle, Torreano said, and will be welcomed to utilize the president's home during the interim period.

"I appreciate your trust and confidence in me," Wilbur told the Board. "Mike Rao brought me here seven years ago to be part of the CMU family. I'm still here, and I love it."

Wilbur said she plans to maintain a large focus on fundraising, something the university cannot shy away from, even amidst difficult economic times.

"It must always continue. It might take a little different form and you might get a little different answer from individuals, but that's fine," she said. "The work needs to continue."

Though Wilbur still will do some governmental work for CMU, she said starting in July, the majority of her responsibilities will fall on Toby Roth, director of Federal Programs in Governmental Relations and Public Affairs, and several of her other colleagues.

"The expectation of the interim president, for Kathy, while she will be in Lansing on occasion, I expect she will be here in Mount Pleasant a lot," said Trustee Stephanie Comai.

Rao praised the Board on its selection of Wilbur as his short-term successor, and said her skill set is what the university needs at this point in time.

"She's got it all," Rao said.

He said Wilbur understands the importance of taking CMU to the next level, with a mind set not only to maintain but to propel the institution forward.

"I think that this is someone who figures out how to get through situations that can often be very trying," he said.

Torreano said Wilbur's sharp judgment and direct communication skills are invaluable.

"When faced with challenges, she doesn't avoid them. She hits them head on and figures out a way," she said.

Torreano said Wilbur will not be considered long-term for the presidency. Because she is part of the presidential screening committee, Wilbur will sign her consent not to pursue the position long-term.

"I think it's critical during this interim period that we have someone who know this university and knows the direction we're headed," she said.

As vice president of governmental relations, Wilbur has worked closely with Rao throughout her seven-year tenure at the university, largely focused on improving state funding by way of Lansing. She acts as a liaison between the CMU administration and the Michigan government, coordinating visits by state leaders to CMU's main campus and finding links between university programs and the state budget.

Previously, Wilbur served as director of the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services, a company that employed more than 4,000 people and had a budget at around $600 million under her direction.

Torreano described her as one of Rao's closest colleagues, a woman with the large-scale leadership experience necessary to run a large institution.

"I have great confidence that we will just continue as we have been," she said. "You have been, I know, Mike Rao's right hand, sometimes his left too."

Wilbur said she will continue to be in close conversation with Rao to gain insight on issues with which she is not very familiar.

The university doesn't just need a 'maintainer' right now, Wilbur said, contrary to the belief of some.

"That is the last thing the Board wants, and the last thing President Rao and Monica Rao want," she said. "I would hope the students, faculty and staff are ready to continue all these movements forward."

university@cm-life.com