Everything You Need to Know About the Search for the University’s 10th President: Key Insights and Expectations

In the weeks following Jim Ryan’s resignation as University President, the search for a new leader has begun. Jennifer Wagner Davis, the executive vice president and chief operating officer, stepped in as the acting president on July 12. This move follows the University’s continuity of operations plan, which ensures that essential functions continue during disruptions.

While the uncertainty surrounds the selection of a new interim president, the process for finding a permanent replacement is underway. The Board of Visitors has formed a special committee to handle this task. Sheridan chairs this 28-member committee, which includes 10 Board members and representatives from alumni, faculty, and former officials. It’s a diverse group designed to reflect the community’s needs.

Past searches have shown that this process can be thorough. The last presidential search involved 17 meetings over eight months and included open discussions with various faculty groups. Once the committee puts forward a candidate, the full Board will vote. This method has led to unanimous choices in the past for presidents like Ryan and Teresa Sullivan.

Sheridan emphasizes that involving the university’s community is crucial. She affirmed the Board’s commitment to shared governance, which helps ensure that different voices are heard. Community feedback will be sought through listening sessions, although those dates haven’t been set yet.

Interestingly, the current search committee has a notable composition. Out of the 28 members, there are 12 Board members, among others. For context, the previous committee, which ushered in Ryan, had slightly different makeup. This time, there are also students included in the decision-making process.

Currently, there’s no clear timeline for selecting either a permanent or an interim president. However, the Board plans to appoint an interim soon. Complications may arise from a lawsuit involving several Democratic senators against some appointees, including Rector Rachel Sheridan. This lawsuit could impact upcoming meetings and decisions.

There’s speculation that the interim president might be chosen from within the University, as has been typical in similar situations. For instance, when Sullivan resigned in 2012, the Board quickly appointed Carl Zeithaml as interim president—though circumstances changed before he began.

As the situation evolves, community members are keenly observing the developments. The next Board meetings on September 11 and 12 may provide crucial insights into the timeline for selecting the University’s next leader.

### Additional Insights

Recent surveys indicate that universities facing leadership changes often experience increased community engagement, as individuals feel a greater sense of involvement in shaping their institution’s future. According to a 2022 report by the American Council on Education, more than 70% of students and faculty members believe their input on leadership decisions is vital.

This illustrates the importance of community engagement in the selection process, reinforcing the notion that leadership transitions can be a collaborative effort rather than a closed-door decision. Social media discussions around university leadership changes also tend to amplify voices, with platforms like Twitter becoming places where students and alumni express their hopes and concerns regarding new appointments.

This approach not only contributes to transparency but also fosters a community that feels invested in the direction their institution is heading. As the search for a new president continues, the involvement of various stakeholders might shape not just the future of the University but also its culture moving forward.



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