Chancellor Search Committee
December 12, 2008 — 1:00 pm
The meeting was called to order at 1:03 pm by Nelson Schwab, committee chair.
Members present:
- Nelson Schwab
- Karol Mason
- Roger Perry
- Lauren Anderson
- Kenneth Broun
- Lisa Carey
- Bruce Carney
- Eve Carson
- Russell (Rusty) Carter
- Dwight (Davy) Davidson
- Julia Grumbles
- William Harrison
- James Johnson
- Willard (Mike) Overlock
- Ernie Patterson
- Geoffrey Sayre-McCord
- Joseph Templeton
- Donald Stallings
- Willis Whichard
- Anna Wu
Member absent:
- John Ellison
Mr. Schwab’s opening remarks:
- The first item of business is discussion and, hopefully, acceptance of the Chancellor Position Description.
- Bill Funk will update the committee on his activities since our last meeting. This will be fairly general, not mentioning specific names, but talking about the process that he’s gone through.
- Following Bill’s remarks, and any other business you might have, we will go into closed session to go through individual names.
Mr. Schwab:
- The position description has been circulated to everyone one with suggested changes. Comments were received as a result of the open forums, emails and input from committee members. We tried to incorporate as many suggestions as possible. That is the document that was circulated.
- The purpose of this document is first and foremost to give Bill a position description that he can circulate to potential candidates as a way of introducing the job and the university succinctly.
- Can discuss if there should be other purposes.
- Does anyone have any questions? Suggestions? Comments?
Mr. Whichard:
- Recommended a change to paragraph 4, page 5, under Strategic Context, from. “…the new chancellor must possess the knowledge and global perspective to lead our transformation into a truly world-class university.” to “…continue our progress as a world-class university.”
Discussion of revised wording followed. “…to enhance our status as a world-class university.” was accepted.
A motion to accept the document as revised was made and seconded. The document was accepted.
Mr. Funk’s remarks:
- Pleased with the progress to date.
- Already developed an active pool of candidates; others will join that group soon.
- Open forums and letters to “Friends of the University” helpful in developing a sense of inclusiveness and informing us as to the thinking on the campus and off.
- His firm has aided and abetted process by focusing on candidates themselves, trying to amass a group worthy of consideration by committee.
- Ads in all major higher education publications and in Women in Higher Education, Diverse Issues in Education, and The Hispanic Outlook in Education. Getting the word out, trying to diversify the pool, trying to be as inclusive as possible. Each publication has elicited some response in terms of nominations or people applying. Value of ads is as a communication tool.
- Contacted 600 individuals on proprietary mailing list of people he has worked with in the past – leaders in higher education. Includes probably every sitting AAU president, board members, and business executives who are active and involved in higher education. Letters sent only when doing a chancellor or presidential search.
- Contact with major higher education associations.
- Original research targeting people with whom he worked the past or who seem a good match.
- Lots of conversations and networking.
- Currently has a pool of approximately 100 candidates; expect more over the next 3-4 weeks. Some have declined; some “frivolous” candidates. Perhaps 20 will merit real consideration. Will discuss details in closed session.
- Not too late for nominations, not too late for additional applications.
- Search is exactly where he thought it would be at this point in time.
Ms. Mason:
- Before we go into closed session I’d like for everyone else to hear that you have made an effort that the pool you bring to us will be a diverse pool.
Mr. Funk:
- Absolutely. The mailing list I mentioned has some 120 women and a similar number of individuals of color. In terms of our outreach we have built into the process an attempt to diversify our pool.
- When it comes to referencing, there will always be questions about those individuals and their adherence to, their commitment to, diversity. When you interview in person there will questions about equity in all ways.
Mr. Schwab called for a motion to go into closed session.
Ms. Mason read motion to go into closed session; motion seconded by Professor Johnson.
Motion passed.
The committee went into closed session to consider and evaluate the qualifications of candidates.
Mr. Schwab called for a motion to go into open session.
Ms. Mason moved that the committee return to open session; motion second by Professor Johnson. Motion passed.
Mr. Schwab asked if there was additional business to bring before the committee; there being none, he called for a motion to adjourn.
Ms. Mason moved that the committee adjourn; Mr. Stallings seconded the motion. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 4:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda A. Naylor, Assistant to the
Chancellor Search Committee