UW trustees seek comments on presidential profile

WORLAND — The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees is seeking public comment on two draft documents related to the search for a new university president.

The board is accepting public comment through Friday, July 3, on a draft presidential profile and a draft announcement of the position opening. Once finalized, those documents will be used in advertising and to make potential candidates aware of the desired qualifications and expectations for the next president.

The documents may be viewed online at uwyo.edu/news. Comments may be sent via email to [email protected].

According to a UW press release, under a plan adopted by the trustees last week, a six-member planning committee of trustees will present the completed documents, along with the name of a preferred consulting firm to assist with the search, to the full board for approval at its July 14-17 meeting. The board plans to begin advertising the position in August.

Trustee David Bostrom of Worland said the trustees are looking for “baseline input.” He said the trustees have put together a profile from comments and input they’ve received and now they want input on “are we right or wrong, are there things we need to subtract or add.”

He said every group will have a different view on what the next UW president with faculty wanting someone more academic in nature and people in business wanting someone with more financial experience.

The draft seven-page profile starts with, “The Board of Trustees of the University of Wyoming announces a search for a president with bold vision, high energy, an ability to work effectively with diverse constituents and the capability to lead the institution in fulfilling the university’s public land-grant mission.”

It includes a profile of the university and ends with eight bulleted items that the board would like to see in the next president. These include: an ability to promote and support excellence in faculty and staff, as well as a strong commitment to educating students from diverse backgrounds so that they have the abilities to lead productive and successful lives; significant knowledge and understanding of finances, budgets and accounting systems and strong managerial skills, particularly in leading planning processes in academics, student recruitment, management and athletics; an appreciation of and ability to expand UW’s participation in the state’s economic development; an ability to communicate well and relate effectively to diverse groups; significant knowledge of Division I intercollegiate athletics, with a balanced approach to athletic and academic achievements; and candor and a sense of humor.

“The profile as presented reflects the needs of the university,” Bostrom said.

The other document the board is seeking input on is the announcement of the vacancy and search, which is in essence a shortened two-page version of the presidential profile.

Bostrom said he hopes people will provide their input either through the email or by contacting him directly.

“I hope people use that opportunity. That’s why we have trustees in all judicial districts so everyone is close to a trustee,” Bostrom said, adding that some people may feel more comfortable talking to someone in the area rather than emailing a comment.

According to the release, also at the July meeting, board President Dave Palmerlee is scheduled to recommend members of two search committees, as well as a chair for each committee, for approval by the board. The first committee will review applications and identify a list of 10-15 candidates who warrant further consideration. The second committee will interview the candidates forwarded by the first committee and select up to five finalists to come to campus for public forums and interviews. The full board intends to then interview the finalists and select the new president by March.

Bostrom said, “We’re off to a good start with a very aggressive timeline.”

In addition to the search committees, the board intends to select a search recruiter to work with the consulting firm and search committees to contact individuals to either apply for the position or assist with recruiting. Trustees indicated that former board member Brad Mead, of Jackson, likely would serve in that role, according to the release.

Bostrom said they will be seeking input from persons around the state if they know of qualified individuals whom would be good for the university.

In March, President Dick McGinity recommended that trustees initiate a search for a new president to succeed him at the conclusion of his contract in summer 2016.