Presidential Search Process
5 Phases of the Presidential Search Process
The Presidential Search Committee, named by the Board of Trustees, engaged with the St. Thomas community in shaping the search for the next president of the University of St. Thomas.
The search consisted of 5 main phases:
1) Listening
Beginning in May 2022, input into the qualities we seek in our next president were gathered through a series of in-person and Zoom conversations with trustees, students, faculty, staff, alumni and other key partners. Through these discussions, search committee members heard what kind of leader our community desired to lead the University of St. Thomas. Input from surveys was also gathered. In addition, a student advisory committee provided feedback on the student perspective to the search committee.
2) Distilling
Once the search committee had collected the thoughts from the St. Thomas community, it distilled the information and combined it with elements of the St. Thomas 2025 Strategic Plan to develop a presidential profile that outlined the priorities, qualities and qualifications for the position.
3) Searching and Recruiting
With the presidential profile completed, the committee began actively seeking candidates. The University engaged WittKieffer to assist in the search for a new President, and the committee invited the campus community to provide nominations and recommendations of prospective candidates.
4) Interviewing
After reviewing application materials, the search committee interviewed top candidates, and then recommended final candidates to the Board of Trustees.
5) Announcing and Introducing
The Board of Trustees selected the candidate that it believes will best lead and serve the university, and announced its decision on the next president to the St. Thomas community.