A former WKSU-FM 89.7 staffer is stepping in to take charge of programming for NPR following an investigation into the termination of former NPR reporter Juan Williams.

NPR announced today that Eric Nuzum, former programming director at WKSU, will serve as interim head of NPR's programming division following the resignation of NPR Senior Vice President for News Ellen Weiss. News of Weiss' resignation came in conjunction with a press release released this afternoon by NPR announcing the results of the investigation into Williams' termination.

NPR terminated Williams' contract after he made remarks about Muslims on the Fox News Channel, according to NPR. Critics accused the non-profit media organization of handling the situation poorly.

Nuzum began his career at WKSU in 1985 as a student at Kent State University. He worked a brief stint at WOSU in Columbus after graduation before returning to Kent, and WKSU, in 1995 as the station's development producer, according to WKSU.

He took over as program director at WKSU in 1998. He left WKSU in July 2004 to take the position as director of programming and acquisitions for NPR.

Nuzum has authored two books, including Parental Advisory: Music Censorship in America. He has received awards for producing commentaries by Harvey Pekar and David Giffels and for his own commentary work, according to WKSU.

Ann VerWiebe, marketing and public relations manager for WKSU and FolkAlley.com, said Nuzum, who is a Canton native, still has family in the area.