Presidential Search Underway

By: Aaron Mueller

Posted: 4/12/07

The committee to select the new president of Spring Arbor University was announced to the faculty Tuesday at a faculty meeting called by current President, Dr. Gayle Beebe. The chair of the Presidential Selection Committee, E. Harold Munn, also introduced the transition plan. Selecting a new president is a process that will take at least seven months.

The process will begin in August when the selection committee begins accepting nominations and applications. Personal interviews and campus visits will be part of the selection process. The committee's goal is to have a recommendation for the Board of Trustees by February, in hopes of announcing the new president in March of 2008.

The committee plans to have a presidential profile available by May 17 in order to advertise for the open position. It would include the requirements and responsibilities of the presidential position.

Munn said that the goal of the committee is to "mobilize the strength of the university" to find a president who can build on the success of the school.

He also cited this selection process as the most important responsibility of the Board of Trustees. Munn reminded faculty that the process is completely confidential, as none of the presidential candidates will be announced publicly.

The position opened up when Beebe announced that he will be leaving SAU to accept the position of president of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif. Dr. Gerald Bates, who currently is the vice chair of the Board of Trustees, will serve as the interim president of the university when Beebe leaves June 1.