PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH UPDATE
For the Washington State University Community
November 30, 2006
Thank you to the faculty, staff and students as well as alumni and friends of WSU throughout Washington who attended the public forums in September and October to share ideas with the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. Forums were held in Pullman, Seattle, Spokane, the Tri-Cities and Vancouver.
We sought your ideas on two key topics: what the next president of WSU should accomplish over the next three to five years and what characteristics this person must have to be a good fit with the university.
During each forum, we gained a wealth of valuable perspectives on both topics, far more than can be shared here. But we want to share the major themes that we heard again and again throughout the WSU community.
The next president needs to be someone who
-- is creative and visionary, personable and outgoing, approachable and collaborative, decision-oriented, a team builder and morale builder, able to be both an internal and external president, known for integrity.
-- can move WSU to the next level of a research university, including enhancement of graduate education.
-- has led a complex academic organization and can balance the elements of a complex university -- for example, the sciences and liberal arts; the biological and physical sciences; and the four campuses and the research and outreach locations of the WSU system.
-- can increase financial support for WSU, both public and private, in cooperation with the University of Washington where appropriate.
-- can advance WSU as a global university, while improving the diversity of the university's faculty, staff and student body.
-- understands and appreciates WSU's statewide land-grant mission, its engagement in the needs of the state, and fosters the growth and development of each campus in its own distinctive role in serving Washington's citizens.
-- cares about the University, the success of WSU faculty, staff and students, and takes time to establish good student and employee relations.
-- will advance relationships for the University with people and groups that have a stake in WSU's future, from WSU alumni to the local campus communities to the state's industries and organizations to legislators to private donors.
-- can serve as the bridge between the faculty and the public, communicating the importance of WSU as a research university, including the economic impact of the University.
-- appreciates the importance of investing in technology for educational, research and administrative functions of the University.
Additionally, a theme expressed many times in our forums around the state was the desire for an individual who will build upon the strong foundation set by President Rawlins. Many individuals made the point that the next president must continue effective strategic planning and implementation that engages faculty and staff in moving WSU forward. This includes use of benchmarking to measure progress. It also means furthering the University's reputation in Washington, nationally, and internationally.
Lastly, our consultants are working hard to recruit candidates for the job and providing information to the search advisory committee to aid it in its important work of identifying a slate of candidates to bring to the Regents, who will select the next President of Washington State University.
Rafael Stone, Member, WSU Board of Regents, and
Chair, Presidential Search Advisory Committee
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