Presidential Search: The Search Process

The search for the University's 25th president began in February of 2012 with a series of meetings with various U of O constituencies, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, Board of Trustee members, community leaders and other stakeholders. Through this interaction, the Search Committee gathered information such as: what should be the expectations and priorities of the new president, what are the characteristics and personality traits sought, and what types of education and experiences are preferred. The Presidential Search Committee, along with Dr. Jamie Ferrare of AGB Search, used this feedback to prepare a position profile and job announcement and to begin to formulate the strategy for the search process.

The Presidential Search Committee will begin a review of applications in early summer and continue until an appointment is made. To assure full consideration, applications should be received by June 22, 2012, and must include a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and five professional references with email and telephone numbers (references will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant). Applications should be sent electronically (MS Word or Adobe PDF) to: ozarks@agbsearch.com.

The Search Committee will conduct the search process to identify the six to eight best qualified candidates (semifinalists) for the position. Those semifinalists will be interviewed by the Search Committee at an off-campus site in early fall. From the semifinalists pool two to four candidates (finalists) will be invited to campus during the fall for interviews, during which time the campus community will have an opportunity to meet them. Following the on-campus visits, the Search Committee will make its final recommendation to the Board, which will make the final decision about the candidates. The goal is to have a new president announced by January 1.