The Oregon State University Board of Trustees approved a presidential profile on Friday that will assist the university’s search for a new president. In a press release from the university, the Board also heard an update on the national search that is underway and anticipates the selection of a new president to occur in late May.
“The profile calls upon the university’s next president to advance OSU’s momentum in research, teaching, and public engagement while remaining true to a model of inclusive excellence,” said Board Chair Kirk Schueler. “The profile will be key to recruiting and evaluating candidates as the board of trustees engages with the search advisory committee and university community members and stakeholders in an inclusive and transparent search process.”
The presidential profile is a road map for the qualifications the university is looking at for the next president. The profile was gathered from an online survey and input provided during 15 listening sessions involving OSU community members and stakeholders that the Board held in January, according to the release.
In late May, finalists will visit OSU’s campus and engage in public forums and meetings with university community members and stakeholders, including search committee members. Each finalist will be interviewed by the Board, who will gather and review community and stakeholder input on candidates.
“We are having important discussions on how we can extend an impactful culture of care for OSU employees and students and lessen the impacts of what they are experiencing,” said interim President Becky Johnson.
Johnson took over the role as interim President last year after the university was rocked by scandal surrounding former president F. King Alexander. Alexander submitted his resignation effective on April 1, 2021, amid evidence of mishandling sexual misconduct allegations at Louisiana State University, where he had served as chancellor and president from 2013 to 2019.
Should a new president be selected on time, they are anticipated to take office in July. To hear more from Johnson and Schueler, check out our latest CitySpeak.
by Jennifer Williams
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