LINCOLN - It was a historic day for the University of Nebraska on Friday as Susan Fritz was officially recognized as the first woman to lead the institution.

Fritz was installed as the Interim President of the University during the Board of Regents meeting at Varner Hall.

Student, faculty and administrative representatives of the University gave ringing endorsements and echoed support for Fritz who has been part of the NU System for three decades, most recently serving as executive vice president and provost since 2012.

Fritz succeeds outgoing President Hank Bounds.

Fritz, is a Nebraska native, first-generation college student, and three-time NU alum and faculty member. She was raised on her family’s farm outside Lincoln, and continues to farm today. She co-owns and co-operates Fritz Family Farms in Crete with her husband Russell.